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