Re: [guadec-list] Fwd: [ubuntu-uk] [Fwd: Key

["Quim Gil" <quimgil gmail com>]

Flexible windows and other visual effects in i.e. Beryl work on top of
the same "desktop" metaphore. Even a cubic/3d effect is solely a way
to visually connect the several workspaces available in GNOME or X
systems. These projecs are innovative providing a more barroque
visualization if the desktop but, essentially, they are nit offering a
new paradigm or new core functionality.

Even flashy prototypes with lots of physics end up being "a surface
with icons" (an example is the "3D desktop" video you have linked. The
question is though if there are better ways of representing a graphic
interface and make more efficient the use of computers for today's
uses.

As an example, Mirco Müller and others are trying to leave behind the
concept of "an icon representing a document" offering instead the
document itself at a small scale, already accessible.

We are also seeing new approaches in embedded devices thanks to small
sizes, touch screens and so on (i.e. Canola
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yALbL_3XYbM ). Experimental desktops
with multipointers also add new concepts and functionality playing
with 2 or more fingers on a screen.

GUADEC would be an interesting space to discuss how these collateral
experients might affect/improve GNOME's core paradigm and
functionality in the following years. A (good) keynote is a good way
to raise the attention and generate debate and perhaps new ideas
assumed in the project (like Luis Villa's "GNOME is people" after
Kathy Sierra's passionate users in Vilanova this year).

2006/12/22, Alex Latchford <alex yawnster com>:
> I am not too sure what you are saying when you say concepts? Do you mean
> as in introducing a new concept of desktop management, (i.e. 3D style
> desktops..)
>
> Do you mean something like this?
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RK_WLVO-TgA&NR
> Where physics is used etc? Can you explain what you mean by a 'concept'

--
Quim Gil /// http://desdeamericaconamor.org