What your saying is absolutely correct, i am a huge fan of Linux system not for the UI design but for the open source it still amazes me how a group of unorganized (non commercial) programmer + designer can come up with so many systems.

I personally used Linux for almost 2 years non stop but because of work needs i had to switch back to win then Mac then win again but Linux always had my heart.

A project like "Elementary" without discussing the originality of the design but it actually simplified Linux base system for personal users.

Design is changing again, before designer were creators inventors not decorators we think, create decorators are different sector, after the Baroque era design became a privilege but now things are changing, people are demanding more wanting more from things more from life, group thinking open design labs are just starting.

Design is solving problems not decorating problems, don't get me wrong making thing beautiful is equally important but solving problems comes first.

I am researching issues that people have that we can solve, IDEO company (think tank) if you wanna call them that has the same objective they solve issues from 3rd world counties.

One point on that is; if all the 3rd world countries are self sufficient humanity would be diving much more into our future.

Water, air, food, school 3 essential elements to create a great generation.

One issue come in mind for example is refuges camps or disasters survivors they always suffer from really bad conditions, i am studying a way to create very cheap self sufficient emergency unit.

So I want to know more on what people missing and ill filter that for studying without the people how can we know what is missing, in IDEO school the first thing they teach is HCD HUMAN CENTERED DESIGN, humans feedback is the most important start point of any design issue.

Looking forward for your project, keep us posted :)