CaffeineOS Lite, Devlog #3
Welcome Screen & Start Menu
With the core OS functioning, I focused on two features that enhance its completeness: a proper welcome screen and a useful Start Menu.
The welcome screen opens automatically after login as a draggable window, similar to every other window in the OS. It features a coffee icon, the CaffeineOS Lite name, and a brief description. This small addition makes the first impression feel more intentional rather than just dropping the user straight onto the desktop.
The Start Menu required more thought. It slides up from the taskbar when you click the Start button and closes when you click anywhere outside of it. Inside, it has an apps list on the left and a system panel on the right with a Shut Down button, which takes you back to the login screen, resetting the session. The entire design includes a frosted glass effect using backdrop-filter: blur, matching the taskbar’s style.
Both features prompted me to consider state more carefully. I ensured that the Start Menu closes at the right moment and that the welcome window only opens once per session, not on every login attempt.