Tools · 2026

Straypixel

An open-source alternative to Figma.

Status
Shipped
Straypixel's interaction library: a dark interface with a sidebar and a grid of staff-pick interactions, including Checkout Flow, Add to Cart, Accordion, Swipe Cards, Input Validation, Tooltip, Bottom Sheet and Modal Dialog.

Design tools shape how teams decide and where their work lives. Straypixel is an open-source design canvas you can inspect, adapt and contribute to.

It isn’t trying to out-Figma Figma. It’s an experiment in what a design tool looks like when anyone can see how it works.

Open source is a relationship, not just a licence. Scope, issues, documentation, accessibility and a clear path to contribute are all part of the experience.

  1. Problem

    Design tools shape how teams make decisions and where their work lives. With a closed tool, every capability is someone else's product decision.

  2. Research

    Planned: map the contributor journey, from finding the project to getting a first pull request merged.

  3. Prototype

    The smallest useful canvas: add shapes and text, select, move and save. [Verify: what works today]

  4. In people’s hands

    Next: publish a contribution guide and invite the first contributors.

  5. What happened

    The hard part, as I see it: keeping selection, coordinates, zoom and editing consistent. A canvas feels simple until the interaction model breaks at the edges.

How I’m approaching it

The Double Diamond, as planned. Plans loop back once real people get involved, so this one does too.

  1. Define

    Define the smallest canvas that's actually useful.

  2. Develop

    Build core object manipulation.

  3. Deliver

    Test the editing loop end to end.

  4. Define

    Rework the interaction model wherever selection and zoom conflict.

  5. Develop

    Improve saving, accessibility and contribution docs.

  6. Discover

    Learn from the first contributors what the project really needs.

UX practices

  • Direct manipulationSelecting and moving objects is predictable and reversible.
  • Keyboard accessibilityAlternatives to pointer-only actions, with visible focus.
  • Trust and continuityClear saving status, and graceful handling of refreshes and failed saves.

Service design

  • Contributor journey designHow people discover the project, file an issue, contribute and get feedback.
  • Governance and maintenanceClear ownership, licence, decision-making, releases, and what's out of scope.

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