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Contributor PaddyLandau on the Usability category

Erasing the content of the clipboard / too few clipboards  
Written by art.fiodorov the 30 May 13 at 23:01. Related project: Unity. New
Often I find myself erroneously erasing the content of the clipboard(s). Moreover, sometimes I am not even sure about the content of the clipboard at all.

Something as simple as pasting an email address turns into a painful exercise of pasting the content, realising it is wrong, erasing it, grabbing my mouse and looking for the actual email address and, finally, pasting it.

We need a simple way to access clipboard history, which will also give advanced users multiple clipboards.
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Solution #1: Use HUD as a manager for multiple clipboards with a simple string matching
Written by art.fiodorov the 30 May 13 at 23:01.
I suggest running a clipboard manager in the background, which behaves like Vim 0-9 clipboards. Simply put, it remembers the last 10 clipboard entries.

To simplify accessing the 10 clipboards, bringing up HUD and typing the string you are looking for should result in a match and hitting "ENTER" should paste it (send CTRL+V/SHIFT+INSERT). Additionally, HUD + typing "current clipboard/system clipboard/clipboard 0" should bring up the content of the system clipboard.

This solves two problems outlined above: not knowing what you are pasting and too few clipboards (2 by default). To resolve an issue with saved passwords, something like HUD + "clear clipboards/forget last clipboard" options should be made available. Possibly an offline mode trigger should be included, which would stop rotating clipboards. This is so that power users can enjoy multiple clipbboards in a traditional sense.

Please see the screenshot to get the idea:



The program ClipIt from the screenshot comes very close to the solution, but it does not work with HUD well. HUD does not match up with the content of the clipboard. Moreover, the project ClipIt has been halted for an indefinite time, hence this won't get fixed. But ClipIt could be taken as a base (it is GPL v3 licensed). Another problem with ClipIt and HUD is that users are forced to match the beginning of the string. This is too restrictive: if it is an email then "@" is all I can remember.

ClipIt was not designed to work with HUD. The ClipIt's current interface has an icon in the task bar / system tray, so that clicking it brings up the clipboard history. There one can select an entry to paste. Alternatively, a keyboard short-cut brings up a context menu with clipboard entries, where one can use arrows or a mouse to actually paste it. In any case, there is an unnecessary task of actually finding what one wants to paste in the long list of items: it is tedious and boring. One can also try to match what he/she has to a clipboard names, to rid themselves of searching through the list. However, this bears overheads of remembering what is where.

However, after using ClipIt on Ubuntu the realisation of how much more useful it could become combined with HUD is obvious: when people paste things they expect a particular, certain thing to be inserted. People do not think about data in terms of corresponding clipboards. They simply want that email to get inserted, that URL and that piece of code. String matching in clipboards is something so intuitive I started wondering why it has not been a standard feature of the OS's.

This is why HUD's interface is superior:
1) No need to sieve through the entire list of clipboards. HUD will effectively narrow the list down. My current clipboard history consisting of 20 items has just 1 email and 2 URLs. If I could just start typing "@" I would instantly narrow the list down to just 1 item. Typing "http:" would narrow the list down to 2.
2) No need to remember what item corresponds to which clipboard.

See the 3 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 17 Jun 13 at 15:55) >>

Lenses configuration in Dash  
Written by vgregorio the 4 Dec 12 at 23:02. Related project: Unity. New
Lenses are an interesting and innovative way to customize your desktop. But it would be better if we could configure its behavior and enable / disable lenses in a single configuration screen.
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Solution #1: A configuration button in the dash bottom
Written by vgregorio the 4 Dec 12 at 23:02.
Since the lenses are connected to the dash, it would be interesting to access this settings screen along with the access to the lens.

This screen should have the option of adding lenses (a brief description of what the lens does, along with image), enable / disable a lens already installed, configure the behavior of the lens.

The option of adding lenses could be connected to a repository of lenses fed by the community. There are a series of lenses designed by users who would benefit from official exposure on a system screen like this. Just add the PPA and perform the installation of the lens!
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Solution #2: Remember and repeat the configuration as last used
Written by GizmoChicken the 1 Jan 13 at 08:38.
Depending on what is meant by "configure" as used in the original rationale post, one could argue that a lens must be "configured" (or reconfigured) each time that it is used. For example, on each use, one may "configure" the "Search Applications" lens such that "See ## more results" is selected and/or the "filter" panel is exposed.

So as to reduce the need for reconfiguring a lens to a preferred configuration upon each use, I suggest that, at the very least, dash should remember the configuration of the lens as last used and then present that last used configuration upon next use (so that a user wouldn't have to reconfigure the lens each time it is used).

See the 9 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 12 Jun 13 at 10:32) >>

Quicker access to 'show desktop'  
Written by smerz the 30 May 12 at 19:23. Related project: Unity. New
Right now (12.04) to show the desktop using Unity I need to press CTRL + SUPER + D

Or I ALT + TAB till I am at the beginning on the "show desktop" tab.

Or I click on the workspace switcher to switch to another workspace to see the desktop.


I would like to have easier and quicker access to this feature.
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Solution #1: Change key combination to super + d
Written by smerz the 30 May 12 at 19:23.
Using SUPER + D as key combination means only 2 kays are needed.
It is very accessible and easy to press.

If I'm not mistaken this would be the same kay configuration that Windows uses for this feature. Not a technical argument, but if Windows users are familiar with it, why not use it for Ubuntu as well?
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Solution #2: Show desktop by double clicking the "Workspace switcher"
Written by smerz the 30 May 12 at 19:25.
Double clicking the workspace switcher could show the desktop.

Right now double clicking the workspace switcher (effectively) does nothing. It only briefly shows the 4 workspaces before showing the current workspace again.
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Solution #3: Right click on Workspace switcher gives option to show desktop
Written by smerz the 30 May 12 at 19:56.
Right clicking the Workspace switcher opens a menu option to show desktop.
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Solution #4: click on top right corner of the screen to show desktop
Written by gabbate2011 the 24 Jun 12 at 18:04.
click on top right corner of the screen to show desktop.
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Solution #5: show desktop button on the menu bar
Written by gabbate2011 the 24 Jun 12 at 18:15.
show desktop button on the menu bar

See the 5 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 8 Jun 13 at 20:55) >>

An easy/quick way to open a file with an alternative application  
Written by awadali the 27 Apr 13 at 19:32. Global category: Usability. New
If you want to open a file with an alternative app other than the default you need to right-click and choose the app.

For a lot of file types there is a "second default" app like the graphics software aside the usual picture viewer, e.g. GIMP/Gthumb or Avidemux/VLC for video files.

There should be an easy/quick way to open a file with the alternative app!
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Solution #1: Open with the alternative app by [SHIFT]+Double-click
Written by awadali the 27 Apr 13 at 19:32.
A double-click while holding down the [SHIFT]-button should open a file with the alternative app. Of course +Enter should work, too.

For example you can either view or edit a file with different apps only by "shifting" the double-click/enter to its second function.

The second default app should be adjustable as easy as the first one in the right-click > properties menu of a file.
By adding the shortcut to the corresponding entry in the right-click menu the user will get used to this new feature quickly.
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Solution #2: Apps should appear at the TOP of the right-click menu
Written by turbolad the 22 May 13 at 21:32.
When right-clicking a file...

If more than one app can open that file e.g. an mp3 file, show these apps at the TOP of the right-click menu (keep "open with" available too). This would allow the user to reach the apps instantly. This makes life easier than having to move to "open with" every time.

To avoid creating massive vertical menus, limit the list of apps, at the top, to 6 by default; the "open with" option (or similar option) should still be available in the menu. It's very unlikely anyone would have (or want) more than 6 different apps to open the same file type, but consider allowing the user to edit the list of apps in the menu, even if that means the user has more than 6 app choices in their menu.

See the 6 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 23 May 13 at 22:11) >>

It should be easy to check for file system errors on HDD/USB drives and fix them  
Written by nastys the 30 Apr 13 at 06:43. Related project: Unity. New
Sometimes my friend and I get problems with our USB drives like damaged file system. It is hard for an user to check the file system (FAT32) for errors, fix them and format it.
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Solution #1: Add a format option to Unity drive quicklists and automatically fix errors
Written by nastys the 30 Apr 13 at 06:43.
A quick file system check should be done when the drive is mounted and if errors were found Ubuntu should ask the user what to do: fix, ignore or format; a format option should be added to Unity launcher quick list to make it easy to format the drive if needed by the user.
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Solution #2: Add format and file system check to Unity drive quicklists
Written by nastys the 30 Apr 13 at 06:46.
The user should check for errors or format manually by right-clicking on the drive on Unity launcher.
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Solution #3: Automatically check the drive when mounted
Written by nastys the 30 Apr 13 at 06:51.
Ubuntu should check the file system for errors when mounted, then ask the user what to do: fix, ignore, format.
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Solution #4: Add a file system error check to Disk utility
Written by nastys the 2 May 13 at 09:55.
If the user thinks their drive is damaged they should open Disks from the dash and check the file system for errors manually, but very much easier than using the terminal.
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Solution #5: Add a file system error check to Unity, Nautilus and Disk utility
Written by nastys the 2 May 13 at 11:34.
If the user wants to check the file system for errors they could just right click the drive (in Unity Launcher, Nautilus or Disk utility) and select to check the drive for errors. To format the drive the user has to use the Disk utility, so any accidental formatting cannot happen.
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Solution #6: Hold on, #3 could have some sense, but with some revisions
Written by ajw822 the 19 May 13 at 16:11.
I'm thinking a GParted-esque option, which you can toggle on or off, that automatically checks for errors and then shows a little exclamation point next to the drive icon. Integrate the error message with the notification service to avoid pop-ups, and make it an action that can bee toggled. If off, the user can right-click to error check and the same thing would happen manually. I'm sure it would be fine is the system took 30 extra seconds to do a quick check and then mount. Some 3rd party Windows virus removers do exactly this.

See the 11 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 22 May 13 at 09:01) >>

Nautilus should support file filtering  
Written by Damir Muratagic the 16 Apr 13 at 23:38. Related project: Nautilus. New
In handling files I frequently face following problems (it might not be obvious yet but all of them can be solved with filter):

1. If folder contain different types of files (documents, pictures, videos ...), there is no simple way to filter them to show “documents only” or “pictures only”. This feature would be real time saver.

2. If I just want information on what types of files the folder is containing I have to sort by type and scroll down. I would really like to have this information instantly – the moment I open folder.

3. If I select twenty files and want to quickly check one of them I will loose selection and will have to select files again.

4. If I manually search for picture in folder that contain pictures and documents I will change view to Icons, on the other hand if I search for document in the same folder I will change view to List. This requires frequent change of view.
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Solution #1: Create Filter bar (much more then just a filter)
Written by Damir Muratagic the 16 Apr 13 at 23:38.
All of the problems mentioned above can be solved with filter bar as shown below.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/teh1i195ywdq7rt/1%20-%20all%20files.png

Filter bar would simply read content of folder and create categories depending on that content. Only categories for file types that are present in that folder will be shown in filter bar (e.g. if folder contain documents and pictures, filter bar will show: | all files | documents | pictures |)

By default „all files“ are shown. If you want to show only documents for example just click „documents“ item in filter bar as shown below.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/rmi7bjvlpgcgg68/2%20-%20documents.png

If you want to show files from two or more categories simply click first category and then click check box on other categories you want (as shown below).

https://www.dropbox.com/s/0kbal47l1g2rgrb/3%20-%20videos%20and%20documents.png

If you don't want to show all files within category there should be possibility to select types you want from that categories drop down menu.

Another useful feature would be possibility to work with selected files as if they were only files in folder. Each time you select two or more files item “selected” will appear in filter bar (as shown below).

https://www.dropbox.com/s/e0xjf8j8heerw8c/4%20-%20selection.png

After you selected files you want just click item "selected" and only selected files will be shown (as shown below).

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ukrs74j4d19mxg3/5%20-%20selected.png

This option allows you to work with and open selected files without loosing selection. It could also let you to narrow your selection by letting you select within selection.

Each category can have it's default view (thumbnails for images and videos, list for documents etc.

For user who don't need filtering by categories like Documents/Images/Videos..., filter bar could perform other functions, such as: filtering by date modified, filtering by size etc. For folders with only one type of files filter bar could automatically switch to another filtering method.

In short, advantages of filter bar are:

1. Gives you instant information on categories of files the folder is containing (no need to sort and scroll down). If folder contains music you will instantly know it – just take quick look at the filter bar.

2. You can filter files with a single click and quickly switch between different categories.

3. Allows you to work with selected files as if they were only files in folder.

4. Reduces need to switch file view (thumbnails, details etc.) – each file category can have its default view (e.g. thumbnails for images and videos, icons for documents etc.).

5. Reduces/eliminates use of scroll bars – reduced number of files in a pane reduces need for scrolling.




See the 2 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 16 May 13 at 14:44) >>

Lockscreen like Loginscreen?  
Written by sdtbluethink the 9 May 12 at 10:42. Related project: Unity. New
I would be great to replace the ugly lockscreen (Strg+Alt+L) with a new one like the Loginscreen.
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Solution #1: replace
Written by sdtbluethink the 9 May 12 at 10:42.
replace it with new one
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Solution #2: Update for lock screen
Written by Bezzy the 13 May 12 at 06:53.
Mockup for lock screen
[Lock Screen]
http://i.imgur.com/JRdej.jpg

[idea 3]
http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/29582/
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Solution #3: Locking the screen sends you back to login screen.
Written by chrisxsterling the 25 May 12 at 08:25.
When you lock the computer it should take you back to the login screen. All active users would have some mark next to there profile ID/username. Of course you would also be able leave a message as usual. If the multi-login environment is restricted, then the lock screen is naturally more limited.

See the 5 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 8 May 13 at 07:38) >>

Add ability for online accounts on the sidebar to be opened in a new tab  
Written by Mathias the 29 Apr 13 at 06:11. Related project: Firefox. New
The online accounts that you can enable on the sidebar like facebook, youtube, amazone, etc always open in a new window all though I have firefox already running. I would like to have the option to be able to open them in a new tab instead.
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Solution #1: Open in a new tab using the ctrl key
Written by Mathias the 29 Apr 13 at 06:11.
I propose that when you'd have your internet browser already running and you press for example ctrl + the facebook logo that facebook would then open in a new tab of your current browser window.

I say to enable it only with the ctrl key so that people who would not want to open these websites in a new tab won't have to.

and why 'ctrl'? because it is a standard worldwide option. Whenever you click on a link on the internet while holding 'ctrl' it will open automatically in a new tab.
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Solution #2: Solution #2: Always open in a new tab if Firefox is running on current workspace
Written by PaddyLandau the 29 Apr 13 at 14:14.
If Firefox is open on the current workspace, open the bookmark in a new tab in that running window.

But if Firefox is not open on the current workspace (or not open at all), open the bookmark in a new window of Firefox.

See the 3 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 3 May 13 at 10:59) >>

I would like to arrange my launchers by most used  
Written by hitthebutton the 3 Nov 10 at 08:56. Global category: Usability. New
After using Ubuntu for a while I manually add launchers for my most used applications. Sometimes I use a launcher a lot only for a period of time.

I would like the option to get my launchers auto arranged by
most used ever, and for a period of time.

If statistics is gathered, there are multiple ways to use this data for personal and default settings (if submitted to Ubuntu).
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Solution #1: Arrange launchers in most used ever, latest 30 days, and latest
Written by hitthebutton the 3 Nov 10 at 08:56.
Gather statistics about what launchers I use and when. Then sort them by:

a) the launchers I have selected to be sticky in a context menu.

b) most used ever (which are not in a)

c) most used latest 30 days (which are not in a or b)

d) latest used (which are not in a, b or c)

In addition to this I could have an option to submit my usage statistics to Ubuntu devs.

See the 4 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 2 May 13 at 11:44) >>

Display messages as communication threads in the social lens  
Written by einalex the 30 Apr 13 at 16:06. Related project: Unity. New
Right now, the display of messages in the social lens is a mess. You just see a wall of message previews without any structure. This makes it hard to find what you where searching for.
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Solution #1: Display messages/comments as collapsible communication threads
Written by einalex the 30 Apr 13 at 16:06.
Threads of communication might bring order to the mass of chats, comments, tweets and email conversations.

With a meaningful preview (the start tweet/email, the posting that comments belong to, a list of keywords that sum up a thread of conversation) the so listed conversations can be scanned and navigated quickly.
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Solution #2: Display messages in categories from origin
Written by Pirieianip the 9 May 13 at 03:44.
If message is from Facebook messages, facebook status, tweet etc.

give it its own category in communication menu.

Add a comment or propose a solution >>

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