this post was submitted on 25 Mar 2025
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i made the icons bigger now so that no one loses sight of them and they are just one click away!! any icon, and it's divided between two panels, reminiscent of gnome2, classic gnome2.

and it is in light mode, if i made a distro and added xfce, i would make so many changes!! like light mode only (for elderly and visually impaired and people who like reading a lot, that is me yea) and big icons so that everyone knows what's going on.

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[–] [email protected] 17 points 10 hours ago (1 children)

I'm not sure that I agree that low-contrast text in the top panel is friendly to old people (or anyone, for that matter). Text that contrasts with the background is way easier to read and strains your eyes less.

I would hate to use this desktop, it's a pain in the ass to even read the clock in the top corner. I don't even have vision problems.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 8 hours ago

pain?? ok thank you!! i will change it so that i can use it in a better and less painful way then!

[–] [email protected] 18 points 12 hours ago* (last edited 12 hours ago) (1 children)

I can point out some immediate problems:

1 - I can't see the cursor, hope this is because of the screenshot tool you're using, but if it's too small elderly people may lose it.

2 - the icons and text on the top panel are light grey... The panel is white, this provides terrible contrast and is yet another thing elderly people won't see well

3 - there are two ways to switch apps, the top panel, and the dock, this is needlessly confusing

4 - most people (inclusiding elderly) are most accostumed to windows, which you have changed in XFCE In favour of looks; if you wish to create something people can use with ease, you better go for the windows look to avoid friction.

5 - this doesn't look like a very functional dock, which didn't you use plank, or crystal dock? That would provide better functionality.

6 - why did you think gnome 2 was a good base for your project? Gnome 2 might be cool and all, but as all old Linux interfaces it is needlessly complex and quite outdated usability-wise, unless the elderly people you're talking about are nostalgic Linux veterans they won't find this amusing, intuitive, or otherwise familiar to use, much for the contrary

Also why are you reposting this?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 hours ago (1 children)

ok i will answer all your concerns:

  1. yes, the screenshot tool!! there's an option that hides it
  2. white mode is for everyone and it works well but you're right about the grey thing!! thanks!!
  3. i know but xfce can't do the thing that cinnamon or gnome does!! so you have ti be careful
  4. that is very true, thanks, i also like the dos/windows panel look!!
  5. not functional?? ok!!
  6. gnome 2 is nostalgic for people born in the 90's and i wasn't!! but most people would be ok with a simple interface like that one
  7. it is not a repost but an upgrade and thank you
[–] [email protected] 1 points 8 hours ago

On 5, i mean I don't see how you can switch tasks with it, like you know, a dock, or a task manager widget in plasma or windows.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 14 hours ago (1 children)

Honestly default GNOME is probably less confusing than this for old people, and even less confusing once you customise it a little.

Seriously, this is good effort! But anything based on XFCE or Plasma is going to look technical and confusing.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 12 hours ago

Latest plasma is not confusing at all tho, it works really well, in fact I have it setup in my SO's mother and father laptop and they never once managed to break it, and never asked me how to do anything, just figured it out on their own, and they are not great with computers, I will they you that

[–] [email protected] 11 points 17 hours ago

I hope I'll still be using the terminal when I'm 70 or something.

Not a jab at you OP, great work on your part. I'm just making a general comment towards my own predicted cognitive functioning

[–] [email protected] 4 points 14 hours ago (1 children)

Is that Parappa the rapper?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 hours ago (1 children)
[–] [email protected] 1 points 5 hours ago

My man throwin' it back LOL

[–] [email protected] 2 points 12 hours ago (1 children)

I like that wallpaper, do you have a source for it?

[–] [email protected] 3 points 8 hours ago (1 children)

yes of course of course, i will send it once i get to my computer!!

[–] [email protected] 1 points 42 minutes ago (1 children)
[–] [email protected] 1 points 23 minutes ago

yea alright sure, i'll just turn on my computer in a bit!!