[ubuntu-art] next meeting

[Dalton Miyabara]

I would like to use this new desktop interface suggestion ^^

But I think that we have no time to make these mods until the launch of 8.04... :(


Cheers,
Dalton


> Here's an idea, and something I have been wanting for a long time...
> 
> Get rid of the 'Desktop' as a file store - remove it from the directory 
> hierarchy!
> 
> The only reason to store something on the desktop is if you can't be 
> bothered to put it where it's meant to go.  Ideally everything should be 
> in the home folder, rather than split across a locations.  Everything 
> else - shortcuts, pseudo-icons could remain but only if handled by the 
> system in an organised fashion ala Mac OS (drives and folders down RHS).
> 
> The mixing of shortcuts, files, and system icons is generally a bad idea 
> as you don't know whats what largely.  Generally most desktops are just 
> an ugly mess.
> 
> If you remove the desktop-as-a-junkstore paradigm that everyone always 
> does because everyone's always done it it opens up many new 
> opportunities for using the desktop as an actual interface rather than 
> the reliance on toolbars.  It would also make a more intuitive system as 
> you have more space to work with (as it will hide behind windows) so you 
> are not constrained to 32px height restrictions.
> 
> You could have multiple icons for various things that would expand out 
> when hovered or clicked such as home folder, drives, places, software 
> etc.  You could shade all the controls or slide them out of the way when 
> the desktop has no focus to prevent accidental clicks, and maybe slide 
> the home folder out if someone does try to drag something to the desktop 
> to make it obvious that's not where it goes.
> 
> I've done a quick mockup of what I think would improve on the GUI.  
> Obviously it's not perfect but there may be some good ideas there.  With 
> all the effort being spent on all the other areas of Ubuntu, more should 
> be spent on the interface.
>