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Time2Hide: spatial searches and clutter alleviation for the desktop

Published: 28 May 2008 Publication History

Abstract

With information abundance the user's desktop is often cluttered with files and folders. Existing tools partially address the clutter problem. Time2Hide enhances desktop functionality by allowing icons that are not used for a long time to gradually fade and merge with the background. This aims to alleviate the problem of icon clutter. Users can also perform spatial searches, defining areas of the desktop they wish to search for icons; can reveal one or more hidden files or can go back in time animating the desktop and its changes. With Time2Hide users can still use the desktop as a place for storing files and folders, without worrying about the possible clutter and without being afraid that the files might be moved to an unknown location. The new desktop has been implemented and evaluated. Evaluation results reveal that such an enhanced desktop can significantly support users and propose suggestions for further improvements.

References

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    cover image ACM Conferences
    AVI '08: Proceedings of the working conference on Advanced visual interfaces
    May 2008
    483 pages
    ISBN:9781605581415
    DOI:10.1145/1385569
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    Published: 28 May 2008

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    Author Tags

    1. desktop tool
    2. icon clutter
    3. personal information management
    4. spatial search

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