Tilling Windows New Concept
So, I came across the issue os-mockups#169, which highlights tilling windows designs and concepts. The issue is locked, so I'm dropping my thoughts here.
The issue only discusses the snapped windows in full screen mode. Here is another approach:
Context
- GNOME apps are adaptive, which allows them to scale down to a mobile interface as well.
- Most GNU/Linux apps are built on the Unix philosophy of "Make each program do one thing well.", as well.
Problem
- According to above philosophy, the common workflow becomes like using one app after the other to complete a certain task.
- The switching of focused windows can become irritating after repeating same workflow multiple times.
- The random or wired placing of the windows on screen, does not make the person, 'used to the workflow' and requires more attention to work. This causes irritation, when using daily, or when having a restart, and the next time the apps again open randomly, and the user has to adjust again.
- Tilling two apps together on large screens, with both apps occupying full screen i.e. maximized, the windows can have a lot of empty apace, and hence increasing mouse travel.
In the above context and the context of the issue os-mockups#169, the above mentioned issues can be addressed.
Concept
Make the two or more windows snap together without moving to full screen mode. As most apps have simple UI, built with HIG, and are adaptive as well, the approach shouldn't cause much UI/UX issues. The app's groups could be saved to Dock or Applications and renamed as well according to the user's choice.
In this way, combining simple apps together, can simulate a multi-featured/feature rich app/group. Or the other way, feature rich apps can be simulated by grouping individual apps, while keeping the original apps simple.
One example group could be:
Paper + Flowtime (renamed to user's liking, like Time Management etc)
And the Files + Console group etc.
In future, if possible, this approach can be further improvised, by implementing a feature that could allow grouped apps to communicate with each other, may be through some universal API, more like portals.
Move this issue to appropriate location if needed. Thanks.