Historical archive

This page records a dated plan, audit, or research context, not a current product contract. Project status distinguishes current source behavior, published releases, and unfinished acceptance gates.

macOS GUI design research

Four reports on menu bar apps, Apple's design language, window mechanics and activity UI (2026-10-18).

Research

• Premium native menu bar apps - What makes a macOS menu bar app feel premium and native, from HIG, Bjango and four open-source apps. (2026-10-18)
• macOS design language: Tahoe, Liquid Glass, Golden Gate - Apple's 2025-2026 macOS design language and what changed for menu bar apps and windows. (2026-10-18)
• Menu bar and window mechanics - Swift 6 and SwiftUI mechanics for polished menu bar apps and companion windows on macOS 15 and 26. (2026-10-18)
• Activity feeds and agent UI - How the best apps show activity timelines, status and agent control, applied to Summon. (2026-10-18)
• macOS GUI design research: overview - Why the four GUI research reports exist, what each covers, and what fed into the MacUX skill. (2026-10-18)