teotwin wrote:
4. My proudest idea is also the visually smallest one. The super gadget replaces all of the resize, maximise, minimise, move to front/back buttons on windows. The idea is that the different click you can do on it will perform all of the same functions [snip] six in one, All from one icon!
Unfortunately, this is also the worst idea of the lot, in my humble opinion. The idea of using the keyboard in conjunction with the mouse, or requiring a double click with either mouse button in order to use system gadgets is far too cumbersome. A GUI should not require thought: it should be intuively obvious. Overloading a single gadget with six functions is the exact opposite. I much prefer two or three standard gadgets there (close, minimize, maximize), and have all elements of the window structure respond with a pop-up menu by right-clicking on it. (Useful when for example the window is largely moved out of the screen.) It doesn't look snazzy or progressive---but it should be ease-of-use first, and artistic design second. Not the other way around.
The rest of the ideas and pictures are certainly nice. Personally, I prefer my windows bare and stark as they are just acting as delimiters of their contents. But I'm sure other people have different opinions. What I haven't seen mentioned so far (but it's a large thread, could have missed it) is the fact that all mice nowadays have three buttons, and a scroll wheel. Many keyboards feature lots of extra keys. Have you given any thought how to incorporate those? Or how to make the GUI accessible with just a keyboard? (Think RSI here.)
