UX/L | The Coffeehouse

Bass
www.spreadfirefox.com/5years/

Plasmids are like widgets but they aren't really just for simple apps and information like typically most things we consider widgets are. Like I said, even the taskbar is simply a plasmid, it can be removed an replaced with a different plasmid. They can be coded in C++ or Python natively, and there is Plasmid containers for Google Gadgets and I believe also Mac OS X Widgets. There is a lot more to Plasma then that though, but the software is pretty much very actively developed right now so it's changing a lot.

DCMonkey
Monkey see, monkey do, monkey will destroy you!

In reply to Bass

#Jan 6th @ 1:02 PM

I'll admit the Taskbar and Start Menu look alot better in these screenshots. Is that KDE 4.2?

In the end it's probably best to think of those folder Plasmoid/Containments as a concession to backwards compatibility for people that like files and folders on their desktop with a bit of added flexibility to show other folders' contents. It looks like the KDE4 desktop is primarily a surface for displaying gadgets now. I think that's a good thing, but they may be at risk of going overboard on the gadgets and end up creating a redundant layer of window/app management (a web browser gadget?!?) for users to deal with.

Bass
www.spreadfirefox.com/5years/

In reply to DCMonkey

#Jan 6th @ 2:01 PM

That's actually screen shots of KDE 4.1. KDE 4.1 refined the default taskbar look a lot (it looks more Vistaish then in KDE4.0 Smiley

)

KDE 4.2 refines the taskbar further, especially the system tray plasmoid, which as you can see in those screenshots is pretty rough.

I remember when Plasma was first announced, they said Plasma was a response to this idea that the Desktop just another folder, and they wanted to do away with that paradigm in KDE4. Unfortunately Plasma was probably one of the most incomplete things to ship with KDE4 when it first came out, but as of now it's very actively developed (even Google engineers are helping out).

esoteric
λ

In reply to Bass

#Jan 6th @ 2:49 PM

Regardless of what it is, I don't see why the desktop should be that special compared to any other folder. In general one wants to project power via abstraction.

brian.shapiro
things go on as always

In reply to esoteric

#Jan 6th @ 3:37 PM

esoteric,

Why should the desktop even be a folder?

esoteric
λ

In reply to brian.shapiro

#Jan 6th @ 3:58 PM

The term "folder" is not bad, it's quite nice in fact.

I would like to be able to see files and folders as all folded items that can be unfolded - inlined into the context folder - all in a recursive photosynth style.

Imagine also "Oslo" integration where a folder is virtual and links into the Repository to objects and are in effect inlined and viewed as in "Quadrant". The application blends into the shell itself; able to unfold its own chrome as well and inline it into the context folder.

A uniform model-based UX such as "Avalon" will probably provide an even better foundation for this kind of experience, or a more integrated flexible foundation at least.

I think we're very used to fullscreen applications and now one application per monitor. Maybe we should be looking toward a more analog desktop experience.

I would also like the browser itself to move out of the page metaphor. To allow homepages to adapt to large workspaces and present more composite views. To maybe show "tabs" as layered, stacked and displaced sheets with Aero switching between them.

Surface Computing (Microsoft or not) is pointing in this direction, albeit with special hardware with a hefty price tag.

The notion of Plasmid widgets, composite or not, extended to entain a taskbar or not. Well I'm not sure I've gotten the big deal yet.

brian.shapiro
things go on as always

In reply to esoteric

#Jan 6th @ 5:05 PM

I remember using Macs in the days of System 7 and before, and it was common practice to keep certain folders open in the Finder for quick access.

I think that's what plasmid folders are trying to revive, and I think its a good idea. I'm tired of the desktop being treated as a dumping ground for shortcuts.

esoteric
λ

In reply to brian.shapiro

#Jan 6th @ 5:12 PM

It sounds like folders that open on startup and where you place shortcuts. Useful perhaps, but still basically a kind of folder. But on the other hand, maybe these Plasmids really are a bit novel if they go beyond simple file viewing. Will have to check further... /exit

brian.shapiro
things go on as always

In reply to esoteric

#Jan 6th @ 5:18 PM

But that's not a bad improvement, imo, I think what the Windows desktop currently lacks is organization.

jvlppm
AmaroK

In reply to jamie

#Jan 6th @ 8:02 AM

those are not transparent windows... they are Desktop "Widgets"
Microsoft still need to learn how to use desktop space

Erisan

KDE developer took a critical look at upcoming (January 27) KDE 4.2

KDE 4.2 Review From Inside Out. Part 1
About the new network manager of KDE 4.2

Bass
www.spreadfirefox.com/5years/

In reply to Erisan

#Jan 12th @ 7:55 PM

KDE4 is really getting pretty decent now. Smiley

Maybe even usable Wink

Erisan

In reply to Bass

#Jan 12th @ 8:13 PM

Blah, I'm not a KDE user, you can't provoke me Wink

Yeah, I agree with you. There has been quite a pile of problems on KDE 4.0/4.1 releases. According to my experience KDE 4.2 is a much better release ... even usable Smiley