Design Specifications

We'll migrate this to the site (a new blueprint specifications wiki) once we get that up and going.

# Here's how Slingshot should work:
* 5x3 grid
* Non-full-screen (like this mockup: http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/142/2/b/elementary_desktop_mockup_by_danrabbit-d386yvh.png)
* Zeitgeist-powered search
* Drag and drop to organize.
* Default order can be set by us when we package it.
* Newly-installed apps are added to the end.
* Beautifully animated for page turns (slide) and DnD (shuffle the icons around)
* Only for launching apps. No files functionality.

# Other Discussion:

-- Search --

It might not make sense to use Zeitgeist if we're not handling files. GiulioC mentioned that Synapse actually uses a simple regex for its app launching. ~cassidyjames

the reason I suggested Zeitgeist for search is because it can track how often you use a certain app and for search it does make sense to sort more frequently used apps to the top of the results. But whatever gets the job done best :p ~DanRabbit

Why don't implement a search function in slingshot? It would be intuitive and user-friendly. Also consider categorizing searches: Run this command, Applications, Files. ~sal-merone

-- Layout --

alfalive
may I say somethink related to design of slingshot. Why when you click on Applications slingshot shows grid? And when you
search it shows list? Where is consistence? One transition to much I think.
Why so much clickable items in slingshot? Pages, dropdownlist
Isn't better when you click on applications it shows you directly in the first line

/ Back button / Tittle in wich category user is / searchfield

Than below a list of Categeries and in a categorie the list of applications and scrollbar on the left right whatever.

That is it. Isn't that elementary style?
This is a great mockup http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/142/2/b/elementary_desktop_mockup_by_danrabbit-d386yvh.png

I don't know why is grid so loved... :( ~alfalive

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You're looking at two completely different use cases. The search use case is keyboard based. That's why you see the list. it's much easier to perceive search results linearly in order of relevance. If you're searching a grid, you don't really know what item is next in terms of relevance and this is important in order to arrow key or tab to the next time.

The grid use case is mouse based. In this way, you are browsing spatially. It requires less movement to reach what you are looking for, and you can display things in a way that people are used to browsing through them in the real world. Browsing with your mouse, it's not as important to display things linearly and you can make greater use of the available screen real estate.

Pages are used instead of scrolling for many reasons, which I'm tired of going in to. You can read up on the many usability studies surrounding the use of paging vs scrolling or even consider how many scrolls you own compared to how many books you own. ~DanRabbit

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alfalive
What is when we make an mockup and let decide (poll) all elementary users what would they use? When they decide for grid I will shut up. :)~alfalive

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Lol, that's not how design works. If you think popular choice is the best method feel free to use Windows ;) ~DanRabbit

Well, all right. :) ~alfalive
Would be great if somebody could fork the slingshot :) (Windows is not popular .. :) it is forced)

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Well, I think both are right. This is not how design works, but, when in doubt, see what people feel more comfortable to work with.
They don't have to think the hole design, but can help you solving contradictions even if they don't put a finger in design.
Users can help, not decide. This is how open source should be. ~p-oliveira-castro

Why the layout doesn't still in full screen mode? I was in love of it. ~jlnavarro111

-- Launchers --

Should launchers only exist either in Plank or in Slingshot but not both? This might make browsing simpler since your "favorite" docked apps wouldn't be mixed in with your less commonly used Slingshot apps.

^ This or Last-used applications first. ~sal-merone

- I think this should be an area where the user should be able to choose. It will make it so much easier for users to launch apps that they want to. -sixfingeredamish