If we are to advance personal computing, we've got to develop new terminology that fits this new age. Here's what I'm thinking:

• Applications → Tools
  • Functionality that operates on items
• Desktop → Nexus
  • The desktop metaphor doesn't capture the dynamic, relationship-based organization of the systemSOFT OS. Nexus emphasizes the connection between different contexts and information.
• Files → Items
  • Individual pieces of content
• Folders → Stacks
  • The traditional folder hierarchy is replaced with a more relationship-based system. Stacks are a more tangible metaphor for grouped items.
• Windows → Contexts
  • Task or purpose-based workspaces

In addition, there are Threads and Spaces.

• Threads
  • Connections between related items across contexts
• Spaces
  • Temporary or permanent areas organized around specific activities

Iconography is also different from what you'd expect from your previous computing experiences. Icons will evolve based on context, content, and activity. Think of a traffic light; no matter what color the light is, it's a traffic light and the color/positioning/activity indicates what you should do next.

I'm most excited to develop the Nexus. I envision it as a never-ending spatial field upon which you operate on.

Here is how my desktops are setup on my Mac:

And here is how this same setup would look like on my systemSOFT OS:

(Of course, I'd want to have the same swipe left/right shortcuts to quickly cycle through them)

Regarding Items and Stacks, these are building upon the idea that the OS is intelligently tagging everything which makes it super easy to use natural language search to get groupings of things.

I still need to flesh out the visuals to make the how more apparent. Til' next time!

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