Modespace

Modespace is an open Modespace pattern system for task-centered Linux desktops.

It helps users design, fork, and customize desktop work modes that reduce cognitive overhead by assembling the right apps, files, people, messages, layouts, and workflows for the task at hand.

The first implementation target is KDE Plasma, using Activities, virtual desktops, KWin rules, panels, widgets, shortcuts, and app-role mappings.

Core Idea

Most desktop environments are organized around applications. Modespace is organized around work intentions.

Instead of asking:

Which app do I need to open?

Modespace asks:

What am I trying to accomplish?

Examples:

• Writer
• Researcher
• Media Producer
• Designer
• Developer
• Communicator
• Organizer
• Presenter
• Analyst
• Learner

Each workspace pattern defines:

• default app roles
• layout zones
• panel behavior
• file and working-set logic
• project/session state
• notification policy
• workflow rituals
• UI motion and behavior
• KDE implementation hints

Name Logic

Mode refers to a recurring posture of work: writing, producing, communicating, presenting, analyzing, learning.

Space refers to the arranged desktop environment: windows, files, panels, tools, people, tasks, and session state.

Together, Modespace describes a desktop space shaped around a work mode.

Key Concepts

Concept	Meaning
Workspace Mode	A reusable UX pattern for a type of work
Project	A user's specific body of work inside a mode
Session	A bounded work interval with recoverable state
Working Set	The currently relevant files, apps, people, messages, tasks, and links
Adapter	Platform-specific implementation layer, starting with KDE

Repository Structure

docs/                  Conceptual and production planning docs
schemas/               Human-readable schema planning files
tokens/                Design token planning files
patterns/              The ten canonical Modespace patterns
adapters/kde/          KDE implementation notes
examples/              Forked examples based on canonical patterns

Suggested Future Repositories

modespace              Main project or monorepo
modespace-patterns     Canonical and community Modespace patterns
modespace-engine       CLI, state, project/session logic
modespace-kde          KDE Plasma adapter
modespace-docs         Documentation site

Tagline Options

• Open Modespace patterns for task-centered Linux desktops.
• A task-centered workspace system for focused Linux desktops.
• Desktop modes that reduce cognitive overhead.
• Work modes, project context, and session recovery for Linux desktops.

Recommended Production Order

1. Define the workspace schema.
2. Build the ten canonical Modespace patterns.
3. Create a simple CLI that reads a pattern and opens apps/files/URLs.
4. Map workspace modes to KDE Activities.
5. Add virtual desktop and KWin rule support.
6. Build a small KDE panel/tray controller.
7. Add working-set intelligence.
8. Add calendar/email/task integrations.
9. Add GUI customization tools.
10. Package as a reusable KDE Modespace toolkit.