Re: Workspaces, applications, tasks and gnome-shell

[Onyeibo Oku <twohotis gmail com>]

On 01/04/2011 12:49 PM, Maciej Piechotka wrote:
<snip>
> Forcing the application oriented view instead of file-oriented in GNOME 2[1]
> (in current shell there is no recent files in overview even). It is IMHO bad
> for several reasons:
<snip>
As I said user thinks in terms of writing mail, reading document etc.
> They don't know what applications they are using so icons showing just
> the applications are hard to use

+1. That's a strong point
*Recent Files* is totally absent.  It was in the first preview but the 
performance was terrible. So, i guess they decided the implementation 
was expensive.  However, its 100% essential for newbies!. It might be 
better to arrange the common application in the favourites bar by 
default and let the geeks make personal alterations later.  I also don't 
see a tool-tip for the Favourites Bar.  It is needed.  Tips like 'Browse 
you Pictures', or ...'Check your Mail' help new people get acquainted 
with things.

<snip>
> What can be done:
>
>   - It would require modifying .desktop files but maybe the icons on LHS
> should be for documentless applications (gwibber, evolution) and for
> fields labbeled as 'Open new text document' (for gedit and/or
> openoffice), 'Open new spreadsheet' (for gnumeric) etc.
>   - Alternatively display GenericName if possible (for example instead of
> Evolution display Groupware Suite). It would require lookup
> into .desktop files however.

This is a strong point.  While I don't miss those features, I definitely 
agree with you as I have to deal with people who don't fancy learning 
new computing tricks (the kind Linux provides). Majority use computers 
to solve basic everyday needs and don't care much about the Application 
name ... when they do try Gnome based applications... they wrongly 
prefix the name with 'Microsoft' :)

>   - Allow searching for window titles in overview instead in
> applications.

Not *rather than* ... but *In addition to ...*.  I Use that Application 
Search.  I believe everyone should be accommodated.

> If I'm editing this e-mail I don't want to get main
> Evolution screen so searching for 'Wor' should do the trick.
>   - Preferably allow easy and non-js-only way of introducing search hooks
> (say by zeitgeist, tracker or probably own API). Even if evolution
> displays my Inbox searching from 'gnome.shell' should go to the
> newsgroup (I'm viewing it via gmane but it can go to IMAP folder etc.)

huh? ... not very clear

<snip>
>   - Normal users should be allowed to not notice workspaces at all
>   - Power users should not be alienated - it is them who eventually may
> contribute back

OK.  That should be principle guiding the design process.

> Current gnome-shell model:
>
>   - Array of workspaces which allow the random deletion but only tail
> adding

Yeah, I have a problem with that too.  It should allow insertions. 
Although its crazy having more than 4->6 Workspaces.  Four(4) is mostly 
sufficient but ... I like the freedom though.

>   - Overview mode have mixed view (displays windows from this workspace
> but all applications so clicking terminal may switch workspace)

You lost me there.

> What can be done (general):
>
>   - Specify what exact model we have in mind when we talk about
> workspaces
>   - Check if it suits the user. If only powerusers use workspaces and
> they find it too simply it possible time to add some features

This research is partially redundant because we mostly know what the 
average user deals with and have discussed it in different ways. Should 
we run off to gather data via questionnaires/on-line surveys? ... That 
will waste some time at this stage(not that it's a bad idea).  What 
remains is a decision-making group that will collate the different user 
experiences (and contributions made here, in blogs, other forums etc..) 
and proffer a mean solution (not without the icing on the cake ... the 
new advances).

Its a give-and-take situation. As a Linux supporter I'm pro-masses (no, 
I don't mean we should water down the geeky bits ... not at all).  I 
advocate a desktop that can win hearts easily and convince people to try 
something other than Windows while allowing the Power users the POWER to 
do their stuff.

> What can be done (assuming I'm correct):
>
>   - Make 'Open new<name>' workspace-specific. In my mindset it is
> inconsistent if the same button either switches task or opens new in
> current task

Huh? I don't get it :o

>   - Allow persistent workspaces (i.e. if I quit with 4 workspaces log in
> with 4 opened)

Great! If it can remember the usual applications too then that is fantastic.

>   - [Extention but guaranteed to not break anything?] Allow rearranging
> of workspaces
>   - [Possibly?] Allow naming (an searching?) workspaces [Needed by
> libwnck - needed by EWNH and ICCCM?]
>
> Regards

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
General I agree that the newer features should be presented in such a 
way to encourage adaptation. Once the user begins to ask, 'How do I 
check my mail?' .... you have a situation.  Maybe we should have a 
balloon notifier pop up over the 'Activities' button soon after logging 
in saying 'click me for more  ...' Intuitive? :)

Regards

Oku, C