Hi everyone, First of all, I wanna say that I love Unity and I'd like to send a big KUDOS to all who have contributed to the project. That said, I have to say that I find the recent change to move the Ubuntu button to the launcher to be very much against the core of Unity, as 1) it makes the Dash far less accessible 2) it makes the "Ubuntu" branding far less noticeable 3) it still puts the maximized-windows-close-button too close to the Ubuntu button (two buttons that do just opposite things) 4) it still keeps the top left corner too cluttered to be ideally usable or user-friendly (window controls, Ubuntu button, Dash, window title, global menu)
Now, the removal of the bfb from the top left corner in favor of maximized window controls was a great idea as it ensures consistency. Therefore, in order to address the above issues, I'd like to propose something rather radical. I really do not want to step on any toes and I hope you can keep an open mind as you read. With the current design where the Ubuntu button is on the Launcher and not on the Top Panel, there is no real requirement to keep the Ubuntu button still on the left corner. So, I say, why not make use of the bottom left corner? 1) As an initial pro-, most Linux distros and even Windows defaults to bottom left, therefore it would not be difficult for users to get used to a Ubuntu button at the bottom left corner. 2) By leaving the window-related controls (buttons, title, menu) and separating control centers, the desktop would become much easier to use. OS launcher on the bottom-left, window controls on the top left, indicators on the top right. In detail, I propose the following: 1) Place a Ubuntu button at the bottom left corner. Ubuntu button must be visually different from all other launcher icons. a) Default behavior: Ubuntu button and Launcher are united (as it is now), and they "dodge active window". i) Configurable to: "dodge all windows", "always on top", or "autohide" ii) In all modes, mouse pressure on the bottom left corner reveals the Ubuntu button and the Launcher (see below for more details). iii) In all modes, dragging an item that can be placed on the Launcher reveals the Ubuntu button and the Launcher. b) Configurable to: It's a single button that "dodges active window" by becoming smaller. In dodge mode, it disappears completely when it reaches a pre-determine size (say, 24px); it disappears when the window is maximized. i) Configurable to: "dodge all windows" (same dodge behavior), "always on top", or "autohide" ii) In all modes, mouse pressure on the bottom left corner reveals the Ubuntu button and the Launcher (see below for more details). iii) In all modes, dragging an item that can be placed on the Launcher reveals the Ubuntu button and the Launcher. 2) Place a TrashCan icon on the bottom right corner. It looks just like other Launcher icons. a) Default behavior: "Dodge active window" as above. b) Configurable to: "dodge all windows" (same dodge behavior), "always on top", or "autohide" c) In all modes, mouse pressure on the bottom right corner reveals the TrashCan icon d) In all modes, dragging an item that can be put in the trash can reveals the TrashCan icon 3) Hovering the Ubuntu button for a pre-determined length of time activates (shows) the Launcher. a) Default behavior: (Launcher-on-left) Launcher appears by coming out from the top of the Ubuntu button and extends till the top panel on the left screen edge. With Launcher-on-left, i) Launcher icons are arranged from bottom to top. As they reach the top panel, they're folded similar to current design but preferably with a faded region where it connects to the top panel. ii) Default behavior: The Launcher is activated on mouse pressure to the left screen edge. iii) Configurable to: Show only with Ubuntu button or on drag- item. b) Configurable to: (Launcher-at-bottom) Launcher appears by coming out from the right of the Ubuntu button and extends till the right screen edge at the bottom of the screen. With Launcher-at-bottom, i) The Launcher appears perfectly infused with the TrashCan icon, but the TrashCan icon is not arranged with other icons. As Launcher icons reach the TrashCan icon, they're folded similar to current design but preferably with a faded region where it connects to the TrashCan icon. ii) Default behavior: The Launcher is activated on mouse pressure to the bottom screen edge. iii) Configurable to: Show only with Ubuntu button or on drag- item. c) Workspace Switcher icon is the first icon on the Launcher and it's never folded. 4) Clicking on the Ubuntu button activates the Dash with the same visuals as current design, and conforming with the Launcher location. If implemented, this design would address the issues listed above, and while doing so empower the users by giving them extended control on the UI elements. Overall, I think this design would transform Unity desktop to a very focused, powerful, nimble, and recognizable environment. To demonstrate a preliminary design, I made a few mockups: Default desktop (Ubuntu button and Launcher are together and on the left): http://i51.tinypic.com/31355as.jpg Default desktop with Dash activated (also corresponds to Alternative_2 with Launcher-on-left and Ubuntu button hovered): http://i56.tinypic.com/2lw6m39.jpg Alternative_1 (Ubuntu button and Launcher are together and at the bottom): http://i52.tinypic.com/fkbfbr.jpg Alternative_1 with Dash activated (also corresponds to Alternative_2 with Launcher-at-bottom and Ubuntu button hovered): http://i55.tinypic.com/fyhe89.jpg Alternative_2 (Ubuntu button is shown alone when not hovered): http://i53.tinypic.com/24pl746.jpg Alternative_2 desktop showing dodge behavior: http://i53.tinypic.com/16c9y87.jpg To be honest, I like the Alternative_2 best but it's more unorthodox and may receive more objections :) I'm hoping that this suggestion would see some serious consideration and response. Thank you! Eylem -- This message was sent from Launchpad by Eylem (https://launchpad.net/~eylemkoca) using the "Contact this team" link on the Ayatana Discussion team page (https://launchpad.net/~ayatana). For more information see https://help.launchpad.net/YourAccount/ContactingPeople _______________________________________________ Mailing list: https://launchpad.net/~ayatana Post to : ayatana@lists.launchpad.net Unsubscribe : https://launchpad.net/~ayatana More help : https://help.launchpad.net/ListHelp