Ubuntu is a great Linux distro and has achieved a lot in very less time. Here are a few ideas that Ubuntu could implement. Most of these are GUI changes that are very simple but exciting. Click on the images to learn more.

I am no expert nor do I know Linux well enough, I got to know about Linux only a few years back and got really into it. If you are developing or designing for Ubuntu let me know what you think of these and if they are remotely possible. Most ideas are geared towards mac users, but considering apple is not making good use of it, there is no reason why Ubuntu should not benefit from them.

If interested you could learn more about the graphical user interface design competition I am hosting

1. Weather on your Desktop

Lets admit it, we spend hours in front of our computers not unaware of the most basic things of life such as weather. Now atleast we will know what the weather is outside by just looking at our desktop.

2. Time based Wallpaper

Not everyone has an always on connection and the weather on your desktop is not for all, therefore  a time based wallpaper would kick in when your internet is disconnected. The wallpaper will change as the time changes on the computer. You can download wallpaper packs of certain areas that have pictures taken from the same angle at steady time intervals. [I don't know what is the source of this idea as I read about it somewhere a while a ago so if any one knows the source please mention in the comments].

3.Beyond Icons

Icons that represent valuable information at first glance can really save you some time.

Some users don’t care about emptying their thrash and also use it as another folder at times, this will remind them to empty it.

I know Linux does not need fragmenting but the other stuff looks pretty nice.

5.Visual Folder Hierarchy

At times we want to open a directory that is deeply nested. A visual map of all the documents will make it soo easy to navigate.

6. Icons that Talk

It would be great if we could set notes on icons such as “send this to Emma tom” or if your Rss reader icon could say “175 Unread Item’s”. One more possibility would be to record a small voice message and a small indicator would attach itself to the icon.

7. Clean up the Taskbar

Its high time since somebody rethinks the taskbar, we need a cleaner one.

8. Preinstalled Media Center

Now that Ubuntu is gaining popularity with home users, Ubuntu should add a media center customized to look like Ubuntu. This would be a good competitor to Windows Media Center and Apple Front Row.

9. Animated Introduction to Ubuntu Linux

After the install is complete an animated introduction could be displayed. This should also be accessible from the live CD so the user can get a glimpse of the O.S. Most users who are new to Linux will find this helpful as they are used to the windows environment and this will make it easier for them to get started. Care should be taken when designing the intro so it is aesthetically pleasing and concise.

10. Your Turn!

I would love to hear what idea’s and features you have in mind…

Related posts:

1. Ubuntu Asks Users “What Do You Want?”
2. Will Ubuntu Ditch Firefox For Chrome?
3. Has Ubuntu Reached the End Of the Line?
4. How to install Ubuntu : The Ubuntu Installation Guide
5. A List of Useful Ubuntu (Linux) Commands