Community Magazine 
Community Participation Invited for the 2026 Open Source Matters UX Research Study!
For several years, the Joomla! community and Rutgers University have built a successful partnership focused on one simple principle: let the data guide the decisions.
Through a collaboration with Rutgers University's Master of Business and Science (MBS) program, Joomla! has worked alongside graduate students on a series of User Experience Design (UXD) projects aimed at understanding how people interact with Joomla's digital platforms. By gathering direct feedback from users, volunteers, and stakeholders, these projects provide valuable insights that help improve the experience for everyone who engages with the Joomla ecosystem.
Previous Rutgers UXD teams have conducted research on Joomla.org and the Joomla Extensions Directory (JED), helping identify opportunities to enhance usability, navigation, and overall user experience. This year, the focus shifts to OpenSourceMatters.org, the nonprofit organization's website that supports and sustains the Joomla project.
A Real-World Learning Experience
Rutgers Professional Science Master's (PSM) program is recognized as one of the largest and most diverse programs of its kind in the United States, combining rigorous academic study with practical, career-focused experience in science, technology, and engineering fields.
As part of the User Experience Design concentration, students participate in a practicum that mirrors professional consulting engagements. From initial stakeholder interviews to final research recommendations, students manage every phase of the project lifecycle while working directly with a real-world client. For the 2026 practicum, that client is Open Source Matters.
The project challenges students to conduct interviews, analyze information architecture, perform usability testing, and develop recommendations that can help improve how visitors interact with the OpenSourceMatters.org website. The result is a comprehensive research effort designed to provide actionable insights that support the organization's mission and improve the user experience for a diverse audience.
Why Community Participation Matters
The success of any UX research project depends on the quality and diversity of the feedback collected. The more participants involved, the stronger and more meaningful the data becomes.
The Rutgers student team is seeking volunteers from across the Joomla community, including:
- Joomla volunteers
- Business owners
- Potential sponsors
- Website administrators
- Open source advocates
- Individuals with experience using any type of website, whether powered by Joomla or not
Participants may be asked to take part in a 30-minute interview or complete usability testing activities that evaluate the current OpenSourceMatters.org website. These sessions help students understand user expectations, identify areas for improvement, and validate recommendations through real-world feedback.
Every conversation, observation, and testing session contributes to a more complete understanding of the website's strengths and challenges. Ultimately, that data helps shape recommendations that can benefit the entire Joomla community.
How to Get Involved
Community members interested in participating can complete the volunteer registration form:
Register to Participate in Study
The study will run from September 10 through December 10, 2026. During this period, a Rutgers student researcher may contact participants to schedule an interview or usability testing session.
Building a Better Future Together
Open source projects thrive when communities work together. The ongoing partnership between Joomla! and Rutgers University demonstrates how academic research and community engagement can combine to create meaningful improvements. By sharing experiences, perspectives, and feedback, participants help ensure that OpenSourceMatters.org continues to evolve into a resource that accurately reflects the values, goals, and needs of the Joomla community.
Whether you are a long-time Joomla contributor, a business owner, a potential sponsor, or simply someone who regularly uses websites, your voice can make a difference.
The Joomla and Open Source Matters teams extend their sincere appreciation to everyone willing to participate and help shape the future of the organization's online presence. Together, we can build an OpenSourceMatters.org website that the entire community can be proud of.
If you have any questions about the study, or would like to participate by attending the Student sessions, please reach out to anyone on the Joomla UXD Study Team.
Joomla UXD Study Team: Carlos Cámara, Laura Gordon & Emmanuel Lemor
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