Discussions from the H5P Open-Source Workshop in Tromsø
Last week, our Community Manager, Kelly hosted an open-source workshop in Tromsø with H5P's product and development teams. The event brought together developers and product managers to explore how open source shapes their work, their collaboration, and the wider ecosystem of contributors and users.
The workshop allowed us to reflect on what open source truly means beyond code. At its core, open source is about people, ideas, and creating tools that can grow and evolve over time. It is a mindset that emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and sustainability, and it forms the foundation of how we build at H5P.
Key Themes from the Workshop
Several important themes emerged during our discussions, offering insights not only for us but for the broader open-source community:
Demonstrating Value
Open-source projects can sometimes struggle to show their impact to those outside the immediate contributor base. We recognized the importance of clearly demonstrating the value of our projects to multiple stakeholders, from educators and learners to developers and community members. Making this impact visible helps foster understanding, trust, and wider adoption of open-source solutions.
Accessibility
Ensuring that our content and tools are accessible to everyone was a central topic. We discussed how accessibility is not only a technical requirement but a core principle of open-source philosophy. By creating tools that can be used by as many people as possible, regardless of ability, location, or resources, we can empower communities and extend the reach of H5P’s content types.
Encouraging Contributions
A healthy open-source ecosystem depends on active participation. We explored ways to lower barriers to contribution, whether through improved documentation, simplified onboarding processes, or mentorship opportunities. Encouraging new contributors ensures that our community remains dynamic, diverse, and resilient.
Platforms and Tools
Choosing the right platforms and defining clear development processes were emphasized as critical for sustainability. Decisions about tools, workflows, and collaboration platforms impact not just our current projects, but also the long-term growth and maintainability of our open-source initiatives. Thoughtful choices in this area help ensure that our work continues efficiently and collaboratively over time.
Our Commitment to the Community
Implementing changes and maintaining open-source initiatives is not without challenges, but the workshop reinforced our commitment to supporting the community. By focusing on accessibility, community engagement, and sustainable practices, we aim to create an ecosystem where contributions thrive, projects evolve, and knowledge is shared openly.
Open source is more than a methodology for us, it is a guiding principle. It shapes how we build tools, collaborate across teams and engage with a global community of educators, learners, and developers.
The Tromsø workshop served as both a reflection and a springboard for future work. The insights we gained will guide our ongoing efforts to strengthen the open-source ecosystem and ensure that the content types, tools, and platforms we create remain accessible, sustainable, and valuable to the community for years to come.
Our mission remains the same: to empower everyone to create, share, and reuse interactive content.
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