This is really good and it’s something to be as forward as possible.
So why Haiku? And also, why not?
That’s a super valid question and honestly, both sides of this coin deserve attention.
Most of us here are enthusiasts, but a regular desktop user probably isn’t browsing these forums. They’re just asking: “What can I do with this OS out of the box?” And sometimes, the answer isn’t enough for them, whether it’s the lack of certain apps, missing NVIDIA drivers for modern cards, or just an unfamiliar experience since they have never heard of BeOS.
But one big reason could also be that “retro” label, and yes, Haiku’s default look and feel does send that signal very strongly, even if the underlying system is way more modern and capable than other systems.
So the question becomes:
What does Haiku offer out of the box, and why should someone choose it instead of just seeing it as a retro throwback?
There’s a lot of work involved in answering that question, but sending a clear message is crucial because it is a barrier to entry.
I’d argue:
- The classic view should always be available. It’s familiar, it’s part of the identity, and many enthusiasts love it.
- But alongside it, Haiku should also offer a traditional look and feel that is free from retro labels (Yes, I refuse to use the word modern because modern does not mean good), something that signals that Haiku is not just for nostalgia’s sake.
- This traditional look and feel should preserve all the advantages and features, and not take anything away, as we learnt here.
I do think BeOS and Haiku package icons are not retro and are timeless, but the rest of the experience is not.
One way could be
Let users choose this at install time, with a live preview in the Installer window.
That small act sends a clear message:
“Haiku is flexible. Haiku is for you, whether you are 90s nostalgic or just looking for a great desktop OS.”
Classic is great. However, assuming everyone wants to stay in classic mode 24/7 might be a decisive limiting factor if the goal is to attract more people. If so, this should be considered