Firefox/Projects/New Theme

Pitch

The new theme for Firefox will modernize the web browser interface, reflecting the power, simplicity and customizability of the world's most popular browser. Ensuring that the application feels like a natural part of the user's desktop, web life, and task flow are key goals.

Goals

• Streamline UI elements and reduce visual footprint
• Modernize look and feel
• Retain visual integration
• Maintain cross-platform consistency (Where applicable)

Non-Goals

• Alter tab behaviour
• Maintain compatibility with existing themes

Status

• IN FLIGHT
  • Started Implementation

• Tracking Bugs:
  • [Windows] bug 544820
  • [Linux]
  • [Mac] bug 544821

• Project Lead: shorlander
• Project Members: Boriss, dao, faaborg, gavin, limi

Design

• Windows
• Linux
• Mac

Timeline / Milestones

• 2010/01 - [Complete] Mockups for main browser window interface with N tabs
• 2010/02 - [Complete] Begin implementation work on graphic elements and code changes
• 2010/03 - [PHASE 1] Alpha quality implementation of new theme for Windows on mozilla-central
• 2010/03 - [DCP] Review with product drivers for feedback/plan alteration
• 2010/05 - [PHASE 2] All graphic collateral (icons, image files) complete and reviewed, alpha quality theme for Mac and Linux
• 2010/?? - [PHASE 3] Extensions bar, bookmarks panel, location progress bar
• 2010/?? - [PHASE 4] Customization and location bar/places UI changes
• 2010/?? - [FINAL] All work complete

Phase 1 (2010/03)

• [Windows] Alpha quality theme on mozilla-central
• [Windows] Toolbar Button Visual Style
• [Windows] Location and Search Field Visual Style
• [Windows] Tab Visual Style
• Tabs-on-top Option
• Per-Tab Progress Line

Phase 2 (2010/05)

• Application Button + Application Menu
• Stop/Go/Reload Attached to Location Bar
• Home Tab + App Tabs
• [Mac+Linux] Toolbar Button Visual Style
• [Mac+Linux] Location and Search Field Visual Style
• [Mac+Linux] Tab Visual Style
• Update Secondary Icons

Phase 3 (2010/??)

• Status Bar to Extensions Bar
• Bookmarks Panel
• Location Progress Bar

Phase 4 (2010/??)

• Customization Overhaul
• Location Bar UI Changes

Delivery Requirements

• Requires an add-on compatibility changing application version increment
• Requires full alpha and beta testing with over 50,000 users on all platforms

Constraints

• Designs completed and accepted for Windows (XP, Vista and Windows 7, in Classic and with Windows themes applied), OSX (10.5 and later) and Linux (Ubuntu 9.10 and later)
• No impact to Ts or TXul metrics

Dependencies

• Ability to draw in title bar of window on all operating systems (Core::Widget) bug 513157
• Re-implement tab strip as toolbar (Toolkit::Tabbed Browser) bug 347930
• Enable Aero Glass for Main Window bug 546259

Testing

• [Perf] Ts and TXUL should be monitored closely as code lands
• [Compatibility] Test with OS alternate themes (ie: Classic, Tan, Aqua)
• [Security] No security review required

Related Projects

• App Button/App Menu + Menu Cleanup
• Home Tab + App Tabs
• Places UI
• Notifications
• Animation
• Download Manager Improvements
• Extensions Manager Redesign
• browser.js cleanup