Andrew Zambazos
f0d2926872
Add comprehensive READMEs for Bigscreen and Desktop modes, and relocate the Tauri frontend prototype into a new Bigscreen/ subdirectory. This moves package.json/package-lock, src, src-tauri, assets, views, styles and related files into Bigscreen/ to separate the controller-first shell from top-level docs. Update the root README.md to reframe the project as "NebulaOS", describe Bigscreen/Desktop modes, the vision, tech stack and development notes. This reorganizes the repo layout for clearer mode separation and documentation.
5.1 KiB
NebulaOS Desktop Mode
Desktop Mode is the full Linux desktop experience for NebulaOS.
It exists because NebulaOS should not only be a console-style interface. It should also be a capable desktop operating system when the user needs one.
Bigscreen Mode is for controller-first gaming and media. Desktop Mode is for everything else.
Purpose
Desktop Mode gives users access to a normal computer environment.
It is designed for:
- File management
- Web browsing
- Productivity
- Development
- Modding
- Troubleshooting
- Advanced settings
- Desktop gaming
- App management
- System maintenance
NebulaOS should feel simple in Bigscreen Mode, but never locked down.
Desktop Mode is what keeps NebulaOS flexible.
Recommended Foundation
The recommended Desktop Mode foundation is:
- Linux
- KDE Plasma
- SDDM
- Wayland where possible
- X11 fallback where needed
- Custom Nebula theme
- Custom Nebula session entries
KDE Plasma is recommended because it is:
- Highly customizable
- Friendly to Linux gaming workflows
- Themeable
- Mature
- Flexible
- Suitable for both desktop and handheld layouts
Design Direction
Desktop Mode should feel:
- Clean
- Smooth
- Modern
- Minimal
- Polished
- Fast
- Familiar
- Slightly futuristic
The design should take inspiration from the clarity and polish of macOS while keeping the flexibility and openness of Linux.
NebulaOS Desktop Mode should not look like a generic KDE install forever. The long-term goal is to make it feel like a distinct Nebula desktop experience.
Desktop Mode Responsibilities
Desktop Mode should provide:
- File manager access
- Browser access
- Terminal access
- App launcher
- System settings
- Development tools
- Game modding tools
- Desktop game launching
- Access to Bigscreen Mode
- Advanced troubleshooting tools
Relationship to Bigscreen Mode
NebulaOS has two main sessions:
Nebula Bigscreen
Nebula Desktop
Bigscreen Mode
Used for:
- Controller navigation
- Game launching
- TV use
- Handheld use
- Couch workflows
- Simple settings
- Console-like experience
Desktop Mode
Used for:
- Mouse and keyboard use
- Advanced configuration
- Development
- File browsing
- Modding
- Productivity
- Troubleshooting
Both modes should feel connected, but they should not try to do the same job.
Session Switching
Long-term, NebulaOS should allow users to switch between modes easily.
Possible flows:
Bigscreen Mode → Power Menu → Switch to Desktop Mode
Desktop Mode → App Launcher → Return to Bigscreen Mode
Login Screen → Choose Nebula Bigscreen or Nebula Desktop
The user should never feel trapped in either mode.
KDE Customization Goals
Desktop Mode customization may include:
- Nebula global theme
- Nebula icon theme
- Nebula cursor theme
- Nebula wallpaper set
- Custom SDDM theme
- Custom splash screen
- Custom panel layout
- Custom application launcher
- Custom desktop widgets
- Preinstalled Nebula apps
- Desktop shortcut for Bigscreen Mode
Suggested Desktop Layout
A possible default layout:
Top panel
├── App launcher
├── Active window title
├── System tray
├── Network
├── Audio
├── Battery
└── Clock
Desktop
├── Nebula wallpaper
├── Minimal icons
└── Optional widgets
Dock or bottom panel
├── Browser
├── Files
├── Terminal
├── Settings
├── Nebula Bigscreen
└── Nebula Library
Visual Identity
Desktop Mode should share visual DNA with Bigscreen Mode.
Shared elements may include:
- Nebula gradients
- Deep blue and purple tones
- Soft glass panels
- Rounded corners
- Subtle glow
- Clean typography
- Space-inspired wallpapers
- Calm animation
- Consistent icon language
Desktop Mode should be calmer and more practical than Bigscreen Mode, but still recognizably Nebula.
System Tools
Desktop Mode may eventually include Nebula-specific tools such as:
- Nebula Control Center
- Nebula Update Manager
- Nebula Library desktop app
- Nebula Browser
- Nebula Store
- Nebula Settings bridge
- Nebula account/profile manager
- Nebula system diagnostics
Development Goals
Initial Desktop Mode goals:
- Pick KDE Plasma as the base
- Create a Nebula desktop theme
- Create a Nebula SDDM login theme
- Add Bigscreen and Desktop sessions
- Add a launcher shortcut back into Bigscreen Mode
- Keep normal Linux tools available
- Avoid breaking standard KDE functionality
What Desktop Mode Should Avoid
Desktop Mode should avoid:
- Removing normal Linux functionality
- Hiding important system tools
- Making KDE harder to use
- Becoming too console-like
- Depending on Bigscreen Mode to function
- Locking users into one workflow
Desktop Mode should be powerful, normal, and clean.
Success Criteria
Desktop Mode is successful when:
- Users can use NebulaOS like a normal Linux desktop
- KDE feels visually integrated with NebulaOS
- Bigscreen Mode can be launched easily
- Advanced settings are accessible
- Development and troubleshooting are possible
- The desktop feels polished instead of temporary
- The system still feels like one unified OS