KDEoriented

KDEoriented is a designation used in the free and open-source software community to describe software projects, design processes, or teams that aim to be tightly integrated with the KDE ecosystem. It signals an effort to align with KDE technologies, user interface conventions, and interoperability with KDE applications and services.

Scope and criteria: Projects labeled KDEoriented generally adopt Qt and KDE Frameworks, target the Plasma desktop or KDE Runtime environments, and implement KDE Human Interface Guidelines. They emphasize a consistent look and feel, keyboard accessibility, internationalization, and straightforward integration with KDE components such as Dolphin, Konsole, and Gwenview, as well as support for KDE-specific file types and workflows. The designation is informal and does not imply official endorsement by the KDE community.

Development and guidelines: Teams pursuing KDEoriented design will typically document KDE alignment in their README or design briefs, use KDE-inspired iconography and color palettes, and follow packaging and distribution practices common in KDE software ecosystems. They may participate in KDE contributor channels to ensure compatibility and remain current with Frameworks updates.

Reception and scope: KDEoriented projects aim to improve discoverability within KDE users and distributions that prioritize KDE software. Critics note that the term can be vague or marketing-driven when not accompanied by concrete interoperability guarantees. Nevertheless, the label serves as a practical signal for developers seeking closer integration with KDE technologies.

See also: KDE, KDE Frameworks, Plasma (desktop), KDE Human Interface Guidelines, KDE Community.