macOS needs its grid back
Power users lament how Apple’s macOS window and desktop management has regressed from earlier features like the old 2D “Spaces” grid to today’s linear, animation-heavy Mission Control. Many describe the current experience as slow, rigid, and hostile to established workflows, citing unskippable animations, intrusive permission flows, and limited customization as signs that macOS now optimizes for aesthetics and safety over efficiency. In contrast, several point to Linux desktops such as KDE as examples of mature, configurable environments that preserve user control and long‑term workflow stability.
Old Spaces Grid vs. Current macOS Spaces
- Many miss the pre‑Lion grid of Spaces: 2D layout mapped well to spatial memory and let users assign rows/columns to work contexts.
- The shift to a single horizontal strip is widely viewed as a regression; users describe losing muscle memory and giving up on Spaces.
- Some dislike grids, saying they can’t see contents well and prefer simpler linear or app‑centric workflows.
- Full‑screen apps are divisive: some see them as a “garbage anti‑feature,” others like them but want them to coexist cleanly with a grid and with app switching.
Animations, Speed, and App Switching
- A major frustration is slow, unskippable animations when switching Spaces; keystrokes are ignored until animations complete.
- “Reduce motion” is criticized for keeping delay while replacing animations with crossfades.
- Some rely on Cmd+Tab plus one‑app‑per‑desktop; others find Cmd+Tab too slow or too app‑centric versus window‑centric.
Third‑Party Tools & Workarounds
- Multiple tools are mentioned: Instant Space Switcher, Aerospace, Rectangle/Magnet, alt‑tab, custom app switchers, and grid restorers.
- These attempt to restore fast, grid‑like navigation, tiling, or more window‑oriented switching.
- Some solutions require disabling SIP or injecting code, which users see as fragile or risky.
Permissions, Security UX, and Power Users
- macOS permission flows (accessibility, screen recording, full disk) are widely seen as tedious “mini sysadmin adventures.”
- Some argue extra friction is justified for dangerous permissions like keylogging; others say the uniform friction across many permissions is overkill.
- There is debate over whether buried settings protect less technical users or just disrespect advanced users who can’t globally relax these constraints.
- SIP and low‑level boot flags are noted as ways to bypass safeguards, but with significant risk.
Broader UX & Platform Direction
- Many perceive a long‑term decline from “peak OS X” (often Snow Leopard/Mavericks era): more animation, less clarity, and removed power features.
- Aqua and older, more skeuomorphic UIs are remembered as clearer than today’s flat, low‑contrast design.
- Some blame corporate priorities (hardware, “number go up”) and designer culture that values novelty over usability.
Alternatives and Linux/Windows Comparisons
- Several commenters cite Linux desktops (especially KDE, also Xfce/older GNOME) as preserving grid virtual desktops and stable workflows for decades.
- FOSS desktops are praised for configurability and for not removing features arbitrarily, though examples like GNOME 3 and KDE 4 show regressions can happen there too.