Hi all I think the decision is a good one.
The dodge effect is confusing for new users and the launcher in 11.10 is too anxious. Here are my pros and cons: *Normal user → never hide* pro - easy discoverability - user will recognize & understand the concept immediately con - launcher takes much screen space - the control buttons of maximized windows seems to be out of place Launcher is used by a normal user for: - getting an overview about running programs / the OS - start programs - switch between programs (workspaces - if they use this 'advanced' feature) - get additional information, e.g. download bar Normal user run mostly only a few applications simultaneously. *They don't understand every option the computer offers to them* and they are happy if they can do what they want (surf the web, write mails, chat, skype...). Therefore a static launcher is a good default. Normal users have a good visible anchor to open and switch between programs - thats worth the vertical screen space IMHO. *Power user →always hide* pro - maximum screen space for application content - launcher is a mouse push away con - lesser overview about running programs - no additional information, e.g. download bar (don't know if this is true, maybe an launcher icon shows up if there is something new) Launcher is used by a power user for: - (start programs) - get additional information, e.g. download bar Power user know what they do and have an overview about all the running applications. They use different workspaces and ALT+Tab or CTRL+ALT+[Arrow key] to change focus/interact with another program. The launcher provides a power user in comparison to a normal user much less useful information and can therefore be hidden. *Summary* When differentiating between the needs of normal and power users the decision makes sense. Power user know how to changes system settings ;) The only point I don't really get is why the default launcher icons are soooo big - could be because they want to have them in a line with the window control buttons - but then better use the minimum that still fits with the window control buttons → launcher icon size 43 = makes a huge difference and 'feels' more elegant than the current default size 48. Thibaut
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