Re: [Usability] Desktop area arranger

[Toni Milovan <tmilovan efpu hr>]

On Sub, 2006-05-20 at 20:53 +0100, Joachim Noreiko wrote:

> 
> But I wonder if we need to add the new concept of
> zones, when we alreade have folders...
> 
> Consider that we curently have two ways to show a
> folder's contents: icon view, and list view. List view
> is capable of showing a folder's subfolders too.
> 
> Suppose we add a third view type. Call it 'grid view'
> (or a better name!).

Maybe I should clarify a bit.

I did not think we should change the way nautilus display files
(list/icon) in nautilus windows, but now that you mention it, maybe that
not bad idea either.

However, I'll talk only about the desktop area/workspace, since I didn't
think enough about the other concept :)) 

It seems to me it's necessary that user can designate zone easily and
that zone area or size can be highly customizable (that's where IMHO
grid or dividing lines fail). 

Imagine the process of zone designation on the desktop workspace similar
to the selecting of group of icons by drawing a rectangle. Now, let say
there is keyboard modifier you press while dragging mouse around, when
your rectangle/zone satisfies you (by size or position), you releases
the mouse and zone is created. They can even overlap. Now you should be
able to create filter for that zone the way you create filters in
evolution. After that zones should not be visible on desktop anymore,
but files should be sorted accordingly. 

Now, if you turn-on zone editing mode you could edit or delete them, but
other than that they should be invisible.

So, it's pretty simple concept, it's easy to learn how to use it, it
gives you more flexibility then dividing lines or grid and does not
clutter the desktop since zones are normaly invisible. And finally it
could be very useful on big monitors.

Thanks,

Toni