The Next Browser - concepts for a better UI

[action]

Hey, sorry if this is in the wrong forum

As you probably have noticed, every browser looks generally the same. Tabs at the top, url box and buttons right up there with it. Modern browsers base themselves around that concept, trying to improve it within the box it has.

My goal is to create a completely unique internet browser user interface, with simplicity, user experience, and speed in mind. Part of that goal is to rid the world of the basic cram-everything-at-the-top UI that's featured in just about every browser out there. I'm are looking for more intuitive, completely unique ways of browsing the web. Something easy to use, quick to get around, and visually pleasing - all at the same time.

So I decided to create a project - create multiple next-gen browser prototypes and circulate them through the places it counts most.

What the UI is:
The UI is based off of the application-switcher featured in Windows (Alt+Tab). Since it's lightweight, it only has tabs, url/controls, and your favorites bar. But the mail and messenger are apps accessed via Quick Access toolbar at the top left of the screen. They open in a new tab.
This box opens when you press Ctrl+Tab.

Mockups

Spoiler: 1

If you have any suggestions (concepts, improvements, where I should put my project to get help) please comment. Any feedback is appreciated

-Action Man

locations:
https://www.drumbeat.org/en-US/projects ... -browser/#

 

[Petros]

Given the rise of social networking I think it might be an idea to allow the option of creating your own "User ID" which you could tie to your facebook, myspace, twitter e.t.c. accounts. I don't think there's many browsers, at least not since the days of AOL, that allow's you to have your accounts all tied into one browser.

The idea for this is kind of based off the old AOL things, but with a modern context given the massive range of social networks and instant messenger things. With a single account you could be able to have a drop down menu, say on the top right that contains all your contacts from various "friend lists". AIM accounts, MSN accounts, facebook accounts, gmail, Skype, BBM, hell maybe even, PSN, Xbox and 3DS friend lists. This way the would't need to keep facebook open in a tab, keep skype minimized, having gmail in a tab just in case one of your contacts comes online, keeping AIM and MSN a little icon in the bottom right, talking to someone on Skype all the while, sending a text via BBM and looking to see if someone's on the PSN to play Call of Duty: Black Ops. You can keep tabs on everyone straight from the browser and actually do you web surfing at once.

Another thing that could be done is tie in email accounts too. I have two email accounts for personal use alone, let alone for work. Easy access to all these email accounts by linking them would be good too. So all these emails go into one drop down tab (which can also mention which account they've gone to and can be sorted if necessary.

 

[action]

Well the idea of my project was to create a new GUI for the next major browsern (just the general interface of it all, not new features), but seeing as it's unlikely Google, Mozilla, or Microsoft would be willing to take such a huge leap, I might (if I could get a circle of programmers) take on creating programs past prototypes. If I did, I would definitely implant your suggestions into my design.
I'm probably going to scrap the context menu design, seeing it's too crowded, and many sites have their own context menu, which would override the software's one. Also if I tried to add a messenger or email ticker in there, you'd have this huge crowded thing, you might as well have just opened a complete website.

Thanks though,
-action man

 

[action]

added the other two concepts, yay
backstage & HUD

 

[Petros]

Well actually the email and messenger thing could just be a tiny little drop down box, like how on the top left of the Facebook menu you've got Friend Requests, Messages and Notifications, it could be like that.

 

[Ellie]

If you could make the whole thing run in full screen with absolutely no unnecessary bits (title bar, windows command buttons, start menu) that would be fantastic.

 

[action]

@Petros: I suppose that'd make sense

@Amy Pond: That's my intention

News: Well, this has officially become a real project. I've got a front-end programmer already, and I'm working around the HUD concept.

 

[action]

Meet amber
(not the pornstar)

more: http://bb.xieke.com/files/amber-browser.png

 

[Petros]

Also it probably needn't be said, but this thing needs to be FAST. The reason I no longer use IE or Firefox and use Chrome instead is because it's MUCH faster than them.

 

[Daxis]

It's really interesting to see developments of programs like this. However, petros, as far as I can tell Action's original goal was to develop a new UI. If you're trying to get him to develop it fasdt, I doubt that Action's gonna be going up against the likes of Chrome and Firefox :P. I'm pretty sure basic functionality, ability to use plug ins/etc., and the original goals should be done first before attacking speed.

it's also interesting seeing what you're trying to do, btw action, so good luck.

 

[action]

Well actually we are planning on using Chromium, if it does not get too big to handle. So there's speed for you.
and thanks

 

[Petros]

Awesome if this ends up the way we both hope, you'll see me as your first customer.

 

[Ellie]

Yeah I'd probably switch too.

I think the context menu is too cluttered though. I can see why, but it's still... I dunno, too heavy. Not sure what could be changed there.

 

[Daxis]

some things can be taken out, i guess. Comparing things to how mozilla/chrome work would prolly be a good idea. Also, you can prolly take out he "what does this mean?" and put in like a questionmark to click or whatever instead.

oh yeah, make sure you add something like mozilla with two adress bars. That's the one reason I did not use chrome. Functionality with a whole bunch of keys, like middle clicking at the tab toolbar, are some really cool features to have.

 

[action]

I think the context menu is too cluttered though. I can see why, but it's still... I dunno, too heavy. Not sure what could be changed there.

I'm not planning on using that concept. I'm using the HUD concept, so I should probably delete those other ones...

oh yeah, make sure you add something like mozilla with two adress bars. That's the one reason I did not use chrome. Functionality with a whole bunch of keys, like middle clicking at the tab toolbar, are some really cool features to have.

not sure what you mean by two address bars, and the tab toolbar won't be a tab toolbar, but I promise there'll be lots of key shortcuts and mouse gestures you can use to find your own way around the browser you're comfortable with.