MagicMirror² Manifesto

The following core principles form the foundation of MagicMirror² and guide our decisions and actions. They reflect the project’s commitment to simplicity, accessibility, and community-driven innovation.

Vision

To empower Raspberry Pi enthusiasts and developers of all levels by providing a platform that combines simplicity and magic, inspiring curiosity and collaboration in open-source development.

Mission

  • Preserve the core philosophy of simplicity, ensuring that users can confidently modify and experiment with the software.
  • Inspire contributors by transforming MagicMirror² into an approachable entry point into the world of software development.
  • Advance the platform continuously while keeping accessibility and modularity at its heart.

Core Principles

  • Accessibility for All: MagicMirror² strives to be the ultimate starter project for Raspberry Pi enthusiasts. Whether you’re a beginner taking your first steps or an experienced developer looking for a creative outlet, MagicMirror² aims to be intuitive and welcoming.

  • Fostering Learning: The project is not just about delivering a product—it’s about empowering users to explore, learn, and contribute to open-source development. We believe in inspiring curious minds to step out of their comfort zones and try new things.

  • Modular and Open: MagicMirror² is designed to be modular, allowing contributors to easily add or remove features. Each module reflects the diverse creativity of the community, while the project remains open to new ideas and improvements.

  • Simplicity as a Foundation: While we embrace technological advancements, simplicity remains a basic cornerstone of the project. As the project’s founder, stated:

    We could use a powerful framework like Vue to ramp up the development speed. We could use SASS for better/easier CSS implementations. ... But the big downside of these changes is that it over complicates things: a user no longer will be able to open just one file and make a small modification and see how it works out. --Michael Teeuw

    This principle ensures that MagicMirror² remains approachable, empowering users to take control of their projects with confidence.

  • Collaborative Growth: MagicMirror² thrives on collaboration. Contributions from the community—whether through code, feedback, or ideas—drive the project forward. We aim to create an environment where users feel valued and encouraged to contribute.

Inspiring Contribution

MagicMirror² is more than just a tool – it’s a platform that invites users to become creators. By keeping the system accessible and open, it motivates individuals to step beyond being passive users and to actively contribute to the project.

Although bundled versions and pre-packaged solutions may seem convenient, they risk suppressing users' curiosity. As Michael has highlighted, "users won’t be motivated to take a peek under the hood. They will just remain 'users'." MagicMirror² challenges this dynamic by encouraging even non-technical users to explore, learn, and take their first steps into software development.

Through this philosophy, MagicMirror² not only provides functionality but fosters a community of learners, innovators, and collaborators – ensuring that its magic is driven by the passion and creativity of its contributors.

Future Directions

Building on our philosophy of fostering contributions, we aim to continue evolving MagicMirror² with the active involvement of its community. Each new feature and improvement will stay true to the spirit of collaboration and openness that defines this project.