Ground Control vs. the Dock
Space to Function Ratio

Is Ground Control suited to be a Dock replacement? I've received repeated comments that some would like to see that happen. One suggestion was to incorporate a module that replicated the functions of the Dock — basically an app launcher. At first, I brushed aside the comment, but it kept popping back up in several other comments. So, finally, I gave it some more thought and here is what I thunk:

The idea has grown on me, as I realized that not everyone likes their dock on the side — and it does take up even more screen space at lower resolutions — not everyone has 30" Apple Cinema Displays (even though they're such a deal now!). And, my initial thought for those that absolutely want the Dock on the bottom of their screen still is to have the dock rise up on top of GC when it was revealed. But this led to the obvious problem of what to do with the dock when the pop-up menus of GC are revealed? You could have the Dock hide, but what would trigger that? Clicking on the Module? And then wait for the Dock to disappear in animation and the pop-up pop up? That just begun to seem convoluted. It started making sense to add a Launch Module.

Ground Control should allow you to retain the Dock for those that want but your option would be to have the Dock on the right or left sides. There is also the option of developing a "Sidebar Format" where Ground Control would be oriented on the left side of the screen vertically. If you would like to add feedback regarding these options, visit this thread and post your comments.

Sidebar Option Explored