Introduction
The evolution of the GNOME Shell user interface has often involved minor tweaks and updates aimed at enhancing user experience. However, the design team harbors bigger ambitions, exploring long-term concepts that could redefine our interaction with the system. These "design dreams" are not just idle thoughts but concrete plans that, while requiring further research and prototyping, are ready to be shared to spark enthusiasm and collaboration.
A Coherent and Fluid Spatial Model
With GNOME 40, the introduction of a coherent and fluid spatial model was a major milestone. This model allows interface elements to originate from and move to predictable places, enhancing user navigation. However, some aspects, like GNOME Shell search, have yet to fully integrate this philosophy. Currently, the search replaces the entire overview with results without animation or spatial model.
Imagine a more intuitive search where results overlay from the search entry, seamlessly enhancing user experience. This transition could materialize in GNOME 51, expected this fall. Moreover, enriching search results with richer content types and multiple actions could revolutionize our interaction with files and applications.
Customizable Quick Settings
Quick settings have become essential in our device interactions, providing essential information and frequent controls at our fingertips. GNOME Shell has embraced this model well, but the quick settings menu has become cluttered with the addition of new features.
To address this, the idea is to allow customization of the menu, similar to what Android and iOS offer. Users could add or remove items based on their needs, making the interface more tailored to each individual. For example, features like the "Caffeine" extension, which prevents the computer from sleeping, could be directly integrated into these customizable settings.
Towards an Enriched User Experience
Drawing inspiration from other operating systems and third-party applications like Alfred or Raycast, GNOME Shell could enrich its UI with built-in file previews, advanced search filters, and other contextual actions. While this might require new APIs and app ports, simply redesigning the existing UI could already bring significant improvements.
Conclusion
GNOME Shell's ambitions are not limited to mere aesthetic refinements. The goal is to offer an enriched and intuitive user experience where every interface element has a clear and predictable purpose. By opening these ideas to the public, the design team hopes to encourage developers and users to participate in this vision.
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