unity-design team mailing list archive

[Gregory Merchan <gregory.merchan@xxxxxxxxx>]

On Tue, Jun 12, 2012 at 3:35 AM, Thorsten Wilms <t_w_@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> Personally, I use the Dash exclusively for search-based access to files,
> folders and applications. No switching to specific lenses, no using Filters.
> If I would want to limit results to one lense, it should be possible by text
> entry or at least with a click close to where my pointer will be (which is
> not the bottom of the Dash!).
>
> The exception where I could see myself using Filters is for music, but it's
> questionable if those needs aren't better served by a specialized interface.
>
> Do others on the list use the Dash differently?

I use it to get to Synaptic or Firefox because I don't use either
enough to warrant a launcher. I may also use it to run something I've
recently installed for trying it out. The apps I start as apps often
enough are on the launcher (or "have launchers"?). I usually approach
my work as opening files, not as running applications. The data comes
first; everything else is either helping me get to it, or needs to get
out of my way.

I almost never use automatic search for anything because it's either
where I remember putting it or it would take me too long to describe
it in a way the computer understands. Half the time that's because I
can't remember well enough what I'm looking for, but I know it when I
see it. Those times make me wish I had something like Finder's
Coverflow.

Maybe if the Dash gave me a Miller column interface to the file system
that supported more than just the default Open, I would use that. I
still would want the good folder system (i.e. spatial file manager)
which I don't have.