Announcing the new shape of Mixxx 3.0 - take part in the future of Open Source DJing
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We are thrilled to announce an exciting new chapter in the evolution of Mixxx. We are embarking on a comprehensive redesign of the Mixxx user interface, transitioning from QWidget to QML. This significant update aims to enhance customization, improve performance, and ensure better accessibility for a variety of hardware, including tablets and touchscreen laptops, but also to users with vision deficiency thanks to built-in capabilities of QML. Further details on the original proposal can be found here.
Here is a preview of the current look we have designed during the proposal. Of course, as always with design work, the final version will likely look a little different, but this helps as a general guideline and goal to something we like, and hopefully you will to!
Why We Are Redesigning Mixxx
The current user interface of Mixxx has served us well, but as technology evolves, so must we. The shift to QML will simplify customization and maintenance, allowing us to focus more on innovative features and less on upkeep. This transition will also enable us to phase out our homemade theme system, streamlining our development process.
Key Features of the New Design
- Modernized Library and Waveform Views: We are introducing a fresh look for the Library and Waveform views, making them more intuitive and user-friendly.
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Enhanced Support for Lightweight Platforms: The new design will be optimized for tablets, smartphones, and touchscreen laptops, ensuring a seamless experience across all devices.
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Improved Search Capabilities: The new search experience will offer better usability of advanced search options, making it easier to find and manage your tracks.
- Interactive Settings and Preferences: We are introducing more interactive settings for audio routing, controllers, and waveforms, providing a more dynamic and user-friendly experience.
Get Involved
We are calling on developers and testers to join us in this exciting journey. Whether you are a seasoned developer or a passionate DJ looking to contribute, there are many ways you can help us.
This significant project offers a fantastic opportunity to make a substantial impact from the ground up. By helping implement the new QML interface, fixing bugs, and adding features, you can shape the future of a widely-used DJ software. Your Qt/QML expertise will be crucial in this transition. Whether you're beefing up your portfolio or just want to give back to the open-source community, contributing to Mixxx is a great way to truly make a difference!
For Developers
- Code Contributions: Help us implement the new QML interface, fix bugs, and add new features. Your expertise in Qt/QML will be invaluable as we transition to this new technology.
Pro tip
Contributing to Mixxx enhances your coding skills and connects you with a vibrant community, providing real-world impact and career opportunities. Many contributors have advanced their careers through Mixxx, gaining valuable experience and recognition. Join us to collaborate with passionate developers and open doors to exciting tech industry opportunities.
- Review and Feedback: Review our code, provide feedback, and suggest improvements. Collaboration is key to our success, and your insights will help shape the future of Mixxx. Code review is currently our biggest struggle and your help could be a real success factor for the project!
For Testers
- Beta Testing: Join our beta testing program to try out the new features and provide feedback. Your input will help us identify and fix issues, ensuring a smooth and stable release.
- User Experience Feedback: Share your thoughts on the new design and user experience. Your feedback will help us refine and improve the interface, making it more intuitive and user-friendly.
Heads up
We especially want to gather feedback from the visually impaired and blind communities to ensure that the next generation of Mixxx is the most accessible it has ever been!
How to Get Started
- Join our community: Connect with us on our chat platform Zulip. Stay updated on the latest developments and contribute to discussions.
- Check out the progress: Check out our GitHub repository and more precisely the QML project. You can also help us testing the ready merge requests, or even help with review in case you are familiar with QML!
- Follow us on our socials: We have committed to increase our presence on YouTube and provide regular updates on Mastodon and Bluesky. Follow us and help us reaching out to more contributor to make this project successful.
Closing Thoughts
The future of Mixxx is bright, and we are excited to have you on board. Together, we can create the best DJ software experience for our community. Join us in this journey and help us shape the future of Mixxx and DJing!
Stay tuned for more updates and happy mixxxing!
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