Quick Settings Part 2
We've already discussed this topic in the past, but nothing concrete ever came of it. Given that various factors have changed since then, I think it's time for another fresh look at this. I think the primary new developments in this regard are:
- We've been exploring splitting notifications out of the agenda popover, and putting them into systems status
- We have new notification designs, which are likely to land in 41
- There's a lot more relevant art for quick toggles on desktop OSes now (ChromeOS, macOS, and Windows 10x all do this now)
- The GNOME 40 visual overhaul does not extend to the agenda and system settings popovers (yet), but it'd be good to get them updated for 41
After looking at relevant art and past concepts, I think these are the main challenges:
- There are different types of system status information, which are tough to put into a single consistent format:
- Binary switches (e.g. Flashlight, dark mode)
- Binary switches with additional options (e.g. Wifi, Bluetooth)
- Binary switches with additional status (e.g. Wifi, cellular data)
- Non-binary switches (e.g. Keyboard layout)
- Warnings including an off switch (e.g. for camera, microphone, and location use)
- Static information with no actions (e.g. Battery)
- Any of the above + a link to a settings panel
- Currently systems status entries appear dynamically depending on e.g. hardware availability. Would that work if it's not a linear list?
- Many other implementations have some degree of customizability. Is that something we want?
- Would we want to continue having in-shell submenus? How would they look in this new paradigm?
Relevant Art
Windows 10x
macOS Big Sur
iOS
Chrome OS
Android 11
Samsung One UI
Concepts
Quick experiment, lots of open questions:
