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
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.
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.
| Difficulty level | Begineer |
|---|---|
| Language | English |