Why do all these projects look like discount bin software.
Is there a licensing problem? Is it an artifact of the preferences of those who typically contribute to open source projects like this?
Bleh. It's hard to sell management on a product that doesn't look sexy, whether it works or not.
Function is often more important than form when these projects are born.
I think it’s also worth mentioning that a pretty UI should not be confused for good UX. We can make snap judgments by looking at screenshots that look a little old school, but if the UX is good, the rest is just eye candy.
But I’m less sure about the reverse. I’d argue that a bad looking UI can scare or otherwise put off the user, which means bad UX.
I’m fully on board with the rest of your analysis.
Motivation to keep improving the project usually significantly drops off once it does what the initiator wants well enough - pair that with lots of programmers not having a great feeling for UX/it not being a primary concern.
Like so often in FOSS, if you want it, you’ll probably have to do it yourself. It’s rewarding (I’m currently polishing up a software project for friendlier UX), but also a ton of work (guess why nobody did it before).
Empathy thing, experience thing.