The Linux Foundation Website
In late 2021, I joined the Linux Foundation as the Head of Brand and Design. The foundation, known for its commitment to the advancement of open source technology, required a comprehensive redesign of its informational website to enhance its outreach and user engagement.
Challenge
The Linux Foundation’s previous site felt corporate and heavy. A dark, dense interface with small typography and standard stock imagery made the brand feel static rather than innovative. Information was packed into tight grids, and the hierarchy of projects and memberships was difficult to scan, obscuring the vibrant community behind the technology.
Solution
My strategy focused on the following key areas:
Refocused homepage around human innovation: Replaced abstract tech graphics with a bright, clean layout featuring diverse real-world photography and bold, editorial typography to build trust.
Introduced a vibrant visual system: Shifted from somber blues to a brighter, more dynamic palette, using geometric shapes to guide the eye and modernize the aesthetic.
Clarified navigation and project discovery: Implemented a cleaner mega menu with a simple call to action and gave key metrics and project logos breathing room.
Simplified calls to action: Used distinct content blocks to clearly focus on “Become a Member” and “Host a Project” paths, instead of the 15+ links the homepage had before.
We also transitioned the website from WordPress to HubSpot, leveraging the platform’s robust capabilities for better performance and management.
Results
A polished, modern hub that reflects the energy of the open-source community. The site now feels less like a repository and more like an ecosystem, with a frictionless user journey that makes it easier for developers and organizations to connect, collaborate, and innovate.