Our default UX is too similar to Windows
Currently we ship a default UX that is quite similar to Windows, especially 7 and 10:
- Light theme
- Bottom panel
- "Start menu" accessed by clicking a button on the far-right edge of the panel
- "Taskbar" showing icons-only representations of open apps with non-running apps pinned
- System Tray (we even use the same name!) on the far right side that shows a mix of system-specific applets with UIs to configure things, and status/notifier icons for open apps that run in the backround
- Desktop with files that can be dragged around but conform to a grid
- Window titlebars with an app icon on the left and Minimize, Maximize, and Close buttons on the right
I am noticing a pattern with the feedback we get from users: our default UX is similar enough that people import their existing experience and familiarity with Windows. But Plasma isn't Windows, so his leads to an "uncanny valley" effect where its imperfect mimicry causes friction and frustration.
I think what is happening is that people's brains are being primed to enter "nitpicky conservative mode" and focus on the differences from what's expected, rather than "open-minded exploration mode" where it's possible to feel playful and curious and enjoy the distinctiveness of our system. Because very Windows-familiar new users never enter that mode, the first time they encounter a major divergence from Windows--for example, System Settings, or how applets or wallpaper is configured, or how many clicks it takes to open files, or whether Dolphin opens archives itself--they feel angered and disgusted, rather than intrigued and curious.
cc @teams/vdg @teams/usability @davidedmundson @mart @ahiemstra @davidre @paulb