Planet SoC

So I’ve been accepted onto the google summer of code 2008 program to work on the Gnome desktop project. I’m going to be working on the desktop wallpaper system and adding the functionality of being able to set a different wallpaper for each desktop. This functionality has been desired in Gnome since 2001 (bug 48004). Its an interesting project as it cuts across a number of modules within the Gnome project and also presents some challenges such as keeping memory usage down when a user has a large number of workspaces.
The project consists of two main parts: the backend, which involves dealing with GConf and all the management of the background pixmap, and the user interface; adding the flexibility of choosing a background for each desktop introduces new usability challenges to the interface; its desirable for new users to be able to quickly pick up the interface for changing the background for all desktops, for existing users to not be confused by the new interface but at the same time be able to fully utilise the full functionality available easily.
Its possible that I finish this work early. In which case I have plans to add new functionality to the background system. Some ideas I have already are:

• Background rotation every N mins
• New colour gradients
• Watermarks e.g. a corporate logo can be blended onto the background chosen

I’m open to other ideas too, so if you have any then get in contact with me.