[Usability] Some Proposals for GNOME 3.0 AND BEYOND

[Mitch Malcolm <warpdrive mystarship com>]

GNOME Desktop Usability Study
Proposals for GNOME 3.0 AND BEYOND - An Intelligent/Cozy Desktop Environment for Business and Home 

Improvements to the Default Install's Look and Feel

1.) The Communication programs e.g. GnomeMeeting, Gaim, XChat, Gabber, etc should be divorced from its current Internet grouping to form a seperate applications category INDEPENDENT of the rest of the apps in the Internet category i.e. it should be known simply as just what apps in this new grouping does i.e. Communications. This affords a more sane classification of applications based on their main purpose.

2.)
Gnome Panel to continue at its current default location i.e. right at the top but now with Clock applet situated at the top extreme left hand corner, then the Weather report applet next to it, followed by the Volume Control applet and then perhaps 2 tab spaces before we come to "Commonly Used/Recommended Apps" i.e. the best GNOME/Gtk/OSS has to offer e.g. Epiphany, Evolution Email/Groupware Suite, Gaim, XChat-Gnome, Pan, Gwget2, Beep Media Player, Totem, GThumb, Gedit, GNOME Terminal, Goats and Force Quit, all of which are logically grouped in this section of the panel for easy access by the desktop user. 
PS: see the panel in http://www.oamweb.com/personal/iamdiablo/28GNOME_23rdSept2004a.jpeg and http://www.oamweb.com/personal/iamdiablo/28GNOME_23rdSept2004b.jpeg for a better idea as to how this will look

3.)
A GDesklet-like/Mac OS X-like Dock bar with a transparent background that contains MAJOR applications categories instead of indiviual apps e.g. Office, Communications, Web, Multimedia besides the Computer, Home, GNOME Control Center and Trash icons i.e. order of arrangement can be as follows:
(from L - R)
a.) Computer
b.) Home
c.) GNOME Control Center
d.) Trash
e.) Office > once clicked on, pops up a menu containing e.g. the Openoffice.org suite, GTodo, Planner, GLabels, etc
f.) Communications > once clicked on, pops up a menu containing e.g. Evolution, Gaim, Pan, etc
g.) Web once clicked on, pops up a menu containing e.g. Galeon Web Browser, the Mozilla suite, Gftp, Gwget2, Bittornado-gui, Amule, etc
h.) Multimedia > once clicked on, pops up a menu containing e.g. Gamix, XMMS, MPlayer, RealPlayer 10 GOLD, Helix Player, Ogle, Rhythmnbox, Grip, etc

4.)
The Window-list can continue to remain at the bottom of desktop screen.

5.)
A klipper-like tool with ability to open a www browser should it be required i.e. if an url on the clipboard is selected or files of whatever format that is on it should the user so desired.

6.)
A Spotlight/Beagle-like search tool that supports searching for phrases/expressions within files e.g. .txt, .pdf, .ps, .html, etc not just a general utility that locates files on an installation.

7.)
An easy to use menu modification/updating tool for all apps i.e. not just Gnome ones

8.)
Integration and accomodation of Gtweakui, Wallpapoz and Gnome Configurator into/within Desktop Preferences.

9.)
Stepped-up efforts to adopt Openoffice.org to the Look and Feel of the GNOME setting. i.e. The suite's current standout from the rest of the GNOME desktop is quite an eye sore.

10.)
Font preferences wise, Sans whould remian as the default choice for Applications, Desktop, Window Title and Terminal but for all 4, perhaps they should all be in BOLD so as to make desktop usage a more pleasant experience for the less well-sighted amongs us.

11.)
Inclusion of F-spot as default photo collection application for the GNOME Desktop environment.

Overall, I believe the proposed improvements can help make the GNOME Desktop Environment (already polished as it is) even more professional (e.g. more logical, sensible and intelligent approach to categorization of programs based on task and easy accessibility) and appealing especially for the Corporate types as well as the average home desktop market. 

If the suggested modifications ad suggestions are adopted, I believe it'll give the GNOME Desktop Environment a unique look distinct from similar competing DEs e.g. OS X's Acqua, KDE or even the forthcoming Windows Longhorn/Avlaon. A default appearance that is its own but yet stylish, intuitive and visually speaking - a treat.

Shaun

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