Friday, May 11, 2007

A Different Approach to a Window System: The Modeling and Applications of a Non-Overlapping Window Environment.

The era of Web 2.0 allowed us to implement and use windows inside a web browser, without impact neither on performance nor usability. The possibility of desktop-like experience while using web applications, broads the horizon of programs that can benefit from all the advantages that come with the Internet.

In this paper we are going to explore a different approach to how a dynamic window system can function and behave. Windows squeeze and expand, resembling an accordion. This way, windows give a little space to other windows (when required) , or request a larger area, within the canvas, to allow the user to concentrate his/hers focus, without loosing the sight of what is in the other windows.

Download the complete paper here.

A flash binary executable demo can be downloaded here.

The complete source code (written in OpenLaszlo) can be downloaded here.