The next version of GNOME Shell, out in September, is ‘likely’ to include a redesigned search experience.
In current versions of the desktop, when you start a search from the GNOME Shell overview, a dedicated search results screen replaces the one you’re looking at, i.e., the workspace row and dash (aka dock) are obscured.
GNOME’s design team has long wanted to adopt a ‘semantic’ layout for search, where elements visibly enter and exit from a specific place, so users know how one screen relates to the next.
For search, results would appear in an overlay that ‘spawns out of the search entry’ box over the actual workspace that called them.
The concept has been explored and detailed in GNOME mockups over the years (see the animated demo below).
Now, an open merge request makes this idealised ‘shell search’ experience a reality.
The merge reworks GNOME Shell’s search experience into a floating overlay above the overview (workspaces) or the app grid screen, rather than, as now, ‘switching to a separate view when a search is active‘.
The proposal has generated plenty of discussion from GNOME contributors and designers who’ve been helping to test it, along with feedback and code commits aimed at refining it so that it can land.
Cassidy James Blaede, formerly of Endless and elementary, was among those to weight in, saying the change “looks great”. Long-time GNOME design team member Sam Hewitt describe the overlay search as “a long time coming”.
But discussion has, it seems, delayed the merge from being accepted in time for GNOME development deadlines. A freeze request has been opened that, with enthusiasm from the right people, could still see it ready for the GNOME 51 release in September.
In a blog post titled ‘GNOME Shell Design Dreams‘ in which this and other design changes are discussed, GNOME designer Tobias Bernard appears hopeful, mentioning it is ‘likely’ to ship in GNOME 51.
If it does, it’ll make it into Ubuntu 26.10, out in October.
GNOME Shell may see more design changes
Bernard suggests supporting ‘richer types of content and actions’, similar to other desktop launchers and tools (like Raycast on macOS). Search is already extensible – Ubuntu 26.04 added Snap Store app matches and web search shortcuts – so there’s scope for expansion.
Other design changes on the GNOME Shell ‘wish list’ include directly-editable Quick Settings, a simpler calendar applet, ‘mosaic’ style window management, transparent top bar, dynamic battery icons and a login screen that’s a little less drab.
If you have the skills (not the .md variety) to make more of these ideas a reality, Bernard’s post mentions that i’s easier than eve to hack on GNOME Shell. To pitch in and help, join the #gnome-design room on Matrix.