Mar9'09

Announcing the Mozilla 2009 Design Challenge: SxSW Edition

Ever made a website that requires a file to be uploaded? Then you know how much that file upload control sucks.

Image of file upload widget
This sucks.

Why does it suck? Because there’s no drag-and-drop; Flash or server-side hacking is required to provide any kind of progress indication; you can’t upload multiple files; if you know what you want to attach you have to navigate there again with the OS file picker; you can’t even enter a path into the widget because of security issues; and the list goes on. Ideally, the browser should make it painless to get files from the desktop to the cloud.

There has to be an easier way. Here are two ways for you to make a difference:

  1. Post an idea anywhere and Tweet its URL to mozconcept any time before the party (see below). The idea can be a mock-up, a prototype, some words, a napkin sketch, a video, anything.
  2. Join the Mozilla Labs team at SxSW as we discuss ideas and mock-ups to replace or augment Firefox’s current built-in file uploader. Come take part in the conversation and enjoy some refreshments (read: beer & grub). Join the inventor of Javascript, the lead architect of Ubiquity, the creator of jQuery, and others to discuss how you can prototype your ideas. Expect the usual Firefox swag, some prizes, and merriment.

    Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill
    303 Red River St
    Austin, TX 78701
    Time: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
    March 16, 2009

If you’re looking for inspiration for how to solve the file upload problem, check out Jesse Ruderman’s recent blog post on the topic.

We’re looking forward to seeing your ideas!

The Mozilla Labs Team

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About the Author

Chris Beard

Chris works at Mozilla Labs.

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