3D Start Menu Idea below

as much as a 3d mash would be cool, I don't think I want my desktop to be a bunch of 3d mash- sample 3D-Mash In Poser and Jpython for modeling. Although, a good implementation of the mash, maby there could be "stacks" of Mash that pop up from the Mash of the screen, click on one would cause more to fall from the top and replace the bottom? Sample: http://www.ogre3d.org/ - - mash(LORD) j4Ogre

start_orbit

image

Sort of an expansion on david's ring idea from the 3d icons wiki. The main "planet" (start menu root) could be raised from an icon/widget on the toolbar. Each "moon" would be an application in that directory (which could have other more representitive 3d icons than the place-holder spheres), and each "sub-planet" would be a sub-directory/category. You could zoom in to the sub-directory by clicking on the child planet, and zoom back out to the next level up by clicking on the center planet. There could also be an option to detach a sub planet and view multiple directories/categories at once (for example, so that you move an application from one "planet" to another).

I just worked up a quick 3d model to demonstrate my idea, and haven't even started to consider the code behind it. :-P

-- Colin Bullock <size="-2"> Jun 7 2005

icon_plateau

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The idea is that you have a column of plates with icons far away in the background. When you click on one of them it moves to the lower left corner of the screen.

another one could be with elipse layout of BgManager^?. And Cylindric plates ?

-- Dwarfy <size="-2"> Jun 7 2005

role_out

My idea of a simple yet familiar menu; have a application (column) bar type fashion like in previous window managers. Each application category would have a main 3d tile(plates), and each sub application would have a hidden sub-tile(plate) that would be accessed on a on mouse over event. The main menu would role out from the main bar like a rug rolling out from being rolled up. I am focusing on scalability, usability, and ease of use. I am afraid too complex menus will be confusing to the user and less efficient.

I will code up an example in the next month or so.

-- Brian Hursey <size="-2"> Jul 14 2005