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View Full Version : File Browser/Manager - Do I have an innovative idea? [PIC]



PrimoTurbo
March 6th, 2007, 02:32 AM
http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/3881/ideamr8.jpg

Basically you have a web like structure of folders, all connections are represented. When you double click a folder a contents window opens and shows you all of the contents of the folder, this window is resizable, when you resize it the icons/icon text of files is resized at the same time.

Furthermore the whole web of folders is movable/flexible, so you can arrange a number of folders in the same area, despite the fact that they might be located in completely different physical places, you will see arrow points where these folders actually exist. You can then open each one of them up and a contents windows will open, you can mass rename, mass move/copy very quickly with out having to minimize or cascade anything or have overlapping windows.

All the data is presented to you, if you need to find more folders all you have to do is move your mouse left/right/down/up. At the same time you have excellent control in zooming out and in around the web of folders.

Best way to imagine this is like the movable map in the game DEFCON, or pretty much any strategy game with it’s movable camera, except instead of units you have folder and files.

What do you guys think? Has this every been done before?


Rough Copy
http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/5981/untitledbz4.jpg

Cloudy
March 6th, 2007, 02:39 AM
I don't know that it's unique or innovative, but it does strike me as a really neat idea.

Also, Sisters of Mercy? Big ups. Love @ SoM.

bobbybobington
March 6th, 2007, 05:49 AM
Woah! I had an idea for a file browser that was somewhat similar. Here's my mockups..

http://ubuntuforums.org/gallery/data/500/medium/filebrow3.jpg (http://ubuntuforums.org/gallery/data/500/filebrow3.jpg)
This is what it would look like more finalized.



http://ubuntuforums.org/gallery/data/500/medium/filebrow2.jpg (http://ubuntuforums.org/gallery/data/500/filebrow2.jpg)
The ui isn't as polished in this pic, but it goes over the main concepts.

fuscia
March 6th, 2007, 05:54 AM
looks like a refreshing idea. it makes me think of a file manager version of vym (it's in the repos).

konungursvia
March 6th, 2007, 06:11 AM
I think what would make it really work was to dynamically change the displayed information by mouseovers, so you don't need to click. This could be very fast. Visualize it printed on the surface of a large rolling ball shaped screen that you could go back and forward and sideways on.

SunnyRabbiera
March 6th, 2007, 06:18 AM
Yeh, but it would sure wreak havoc for newcommers... but it is a neat concept, a file browser that just lays out information without a lot of clicking.
However i have seen something similar in enlightenment.

tbroderick
March 6th, 2007, 06:30 AM
It's seems needlessly complicated and inefficient to me. I find file management to be quicker and more efficient through a terminal. Maybe that's just me.