Speaker
Description
Open Forms is a Linux application designed to provide a native, accessible, and offline-first form experience on Linux systems.
Across Ubuntu communities, LoCos, and open-source events, form-based workflows still rely heavily on proprietary web platforms. These solutions often fall short in areas critical to our ecosystem - offline usability, data ownership, accessibility in low-connectivity environments, and seamless integration with the Linux desktop.
Open Forms emerged from real-world needs within the Ubuntu community. It aims to provide a simple, reliable alternative that aligns with open-source values and Ubuntu’s vision of accessibility for everyone. And did I mention? It is available in a Snap!
Open Forms:
- Enables offline-first data collection for booths, registrations, and surveys.
- Integrates naturally with the Ubuntu desktop experience
- Supports LoCos, community events, and grassroots initiatives
- Runs efficiently on Linux mobile devices without requiring constant connectivity
In this talk, we will cover:
- Why GTK4 + libadwaita were chosen for building a modern Ubuntu-native experience Key challenges and lessons learned while developing Open
- Forms Real-world usage in Ubuntu booths and community events
- How tools like Open Forms can strengthen Ubuntu communities across regions
Summary
This session shares the story behind Open Forms, a GTK4 + libadwaita-based application built to address real challenges faced by Ubuntu communities in form-based workflows. It explores why an offline-first, native Linux solution was needed and how Open Forms aligns with open-source values like acces
What audience can learn
The audience will gain an understanding of why existing form solutions fall short in open-source and community-driven environments, especially in low-connectivity or privacy-sensitive scenarios. They will learn how GTK4 and libadwaita can be used to build modern, native, and accessible Linux applications. The session will also provide practical insights into designing offline-first tools, along with lessons learned from real-world usage in Ubuntu community events. Additionally, attendees will come away with ideas on how they can build or adopt similar tools to strengthen their own communities.
Biography
Aryan Kaushik is a GNOME Foundation and Ubuntu member, a member of the GNOME Internship Committee, and UbuCon Asia organising committee. He was a former GSoC’22 Intern at GNOME, GSoC'23 Intern under Chromium. Aryan was a speaker at GUADEC'22/23/25 and GNOME Asia'22-25 and was the lead local team organiser for UbuCon Asia 2024 in Jaipur, India and ex-lead of Ubuntu India.
| Difficulty level | Begineer |
|---|---|
| Language | English |