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| == The Original Email == | * '''Launchpad Entry''': https://launchpad.net/distros/ubuntu/+spec/desktop-slab * '''Created''': [[Date(2006-07-11)]] by Viper550 * '''Contributors''': * '''Packages affected''': |
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| In a recent news article about the launch of SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 later this month, I noticed that they are trying to promote graphical accessibility as the biggest feature of SLED 10. I'm starting to think that for Edgy, we should on a layout and usability perspective, think about how we arrange things, add more simpler tools for getting at stuff, and other stuff. | == Introduction == |
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| Although the article described "graphical accessibility" as the whole "Compiz and XGL requires less system resources than Windows Vista's Glass mode", my definition is how easy to use a desktop is to use. I think this, might be a good addition to our default desktop: | Slab is the codename for SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10's new menu and application managment system. It consists of 3 parts; main-menu (the new menu applet), and Control Center and Application Browser, a nice simple and easy to use interface which uses our existing menu system to present all options for preferences and applications right in front of you with nice big icons! The 2 sections are also searchable with this neat little search box, automatically narrowing down options to what you want based off title and descriptions! |
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| And this, is the topic of this particular thread on the Ubuntu Forums: http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=208131 | |
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| Codenamed Slab, it's one of the dirty little secrets of SLED, and since it's easily obtained from Gnome CVS (under the slab module), we might just want to adapt it for Ubuntu. Basically, it's a suite of 3 tools, firstly the new "main menu" applet, which can be customized with favorite applications for one click access, can list recently used applications, and recently opened documents! | == Rationalle == |
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| Then, we have Control Center and Application Browser, a nice simple and easy to use interface which uses our existing menu system to present all options for preferences and applications right in front of you with nice big icons! The 2 sections are also searchable with this neat little search box, automatically narrowing down options to what you want based off title and descriptions! | Better Desktop is a project sponsored by Novell to do usability tests on portions of the KDE and Gnome. The new main-menu applet and control-center (codenamed Slab), were designed using this data to improve usability on the Gnome desktop. Ubuntu has been doing usability changes to Gnome as well to make things more usable as well. Slab would be the perfect addition to the desktop as it adds a nicer cleaner menu system that looks alot more friendly. It even features intergration with Beagle, our desktop search system! |
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| So, how do you like my idea? I love Slab to death, it's easily one of the best things you can ever have on a desktop, just do a few modifications and it will be all set for primetime! | == Scope == This specification deals with improving the usability of the default Gnome desktop included with Ubuntu. Many operating systems have been moving away from cascading menus for accessing applications, so it makes sense that Ubuntu should do that too. |
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| == Screenshots == | == Use Cases == *Joe enjoys using Gaim and OpenOffice Writer for his instant messaging and word processing (which are the only things he does on his computer). He hates having to cascade through menus each time he wants to access those applications. Using Application Browser's "Add to Favourites" function, he can add his favourite applications to the main menu panel for easier access. |
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| As seen on SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 | *Sandy is working on a document, but accidentally forgot where she saved it. Using Main-Menu's recent documents listing, she can easily find the last files she worked on...leading her to her lost file. == Design == Slab is actually 3 portions, the Application Browser, Control Center, and the Main Menu applet. The main menu applet also features a drop down menu offering access to recently used applications, recently used documents, and their favourite applications. The More Applications button opens up Application Browser, which can be used to easily find the application you want. Words cannot describe how easy it is to use, so here are some screenshots for your consideration: |
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== Implementation == We would not only by default offer Main Menu in the corner as a replacement for the current menu applet, we would also put links to Control Center and Application Browser right next to the menu, but also on the desktop for easier access. |
Launchpad Entry: https://launchpad.net/distros/ubuntu/+spec/desktop-slab
Created: Date(2006-07-11) by Viper550
Contributors:
Packages affected:
Introduction
Slab is the codename for SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10's new menu and application managment system. It consists of 3 parts; main-menu (the new menu applet), and Control Center and Application Browser, a nice simple and easy to use interface which uses our existing menu system to present all options for preferences and applications right in front of you with nice big icons! The 2 sections are also searchable with this neat little search box, automatically narrowing down options to what you want based off title and descriptions!
Rationalle
Better Desktop is a project sponsored by Novell to do usability tests on portions of the KDE and Gnome. The new main-menu applet and control-center (codenamed Slab), were designed using this data to improve usability on the Gnome desktop. Ubuntu has been doing usability changes to Gnome as well to make things more usable as well. Slab would be the perfect addition to the desktop as it adds a nicer cleaner menu system that looks alot more friendly. It even features intergration with Beagle, our desktop search system!
Scope
This specification deals with improving the usability of the default Gnome desktop included with Ubuntu. Many operating systems have been moving away from cascading menus for accessing applications, so it makes sense that Ubuntu should do that too.
Use Cases
*Joe enjoys using Gaim and OpenOffice Writer for his instant messaging and word processing (which are the only things he does on his computer). He hates having to cascade through menus each time he wants to access those applications. Using Application Browser's "Add to Favourites" function, he can add his favourite applications to the main menu panel for easier access.
*Sandy is working on a document, but accidentally forgot where she saved it. Using Main-Menu's recent documents listing, she can easily find the last files she worked on...leading her to her lost file.
Design
Slab is actually 3 portions, the Application Browser, Control Center, and the Main Menu applet. The main menu applet also features a drop down menu offering access to recently used applications, recently used documents, and their favourite applications. The More Applications button opens up Application Browser, which can be used to easily find the application you want. Words cannot describe how easy it is to use, so here are some screenshots for your consideration:
Application Browser
attachment:appbrowser.png
Control Center
attachment:controlcenter.png
Main Menu
attachment:mainmenu.png
Implementation
We would not only by default offer Main Menu in the corner as a replacement for the current menu applet, we would also put links to Control Center and Application Browser right next to the menu, but also on the desktop for easier access.
Required Changes
Of course, we would have to change some things to main-menu and control-center to make it work and intergrate better with Ubuntu:
Interface Adjustments
We could change it so that the applet displays the word "Menu" instead of "Computer" and change it to use distributor-logo as the icon instead of computer.
Package Managment Intergration
By default, it intergrates with XenSource, SLED 10's new RPM managment system, offering options to upgrade or remove the application in the right click menu.
We would have to make a decision, should the functionality be removed, or we could make it so that it intergrates automatically with our current "Add/Remove Programs" tool? I am kinda crossed between both actually...
Control Center and Application Browser Improvements
We might want to look into this particular mod of control-center:
Slab (last edited 2008-08-06 16:21:07 by localhost)