View source for KDE Visual Design Group/KirigamiHIG/Principles/OptimizedConverence

= Optimized Convergence =

Kirigami is made with convergent applications in mind. "Convergent" for us means that one instance of an application can adapt its user interface (UI) depending on the context, most importantly depending on
* Primary input method (for now "pointing device + keyboard" vs. touch, in the future possibly also simple directional inputs like TV remotes, game controllers, in-vehicle controls, ...)
* Physical screen size (for now phone vs. tablet vs. laptop/desktop screen, in the future possibly also TV screens, smart watches, ...)
* Screen orientation / aspect ratio (mostly portrait vs. landscape)

Kirigami is not about simple "responsive" user interfaces, though (i.e. those which just adapt their layout a bit), but really optimized ones. For example, "pointing device + keyboard" UIs should use mouse-over/hover effects to reveal inline controls, whereas touch UIs should use touch gestures.

When navigating through hierarchies, portrait mode mode shows only one column/page at a time, whereas landscape shows multiple ones.

UIs for bigger screens show more controls permanently, whereas UIs for small screens show only the most important controls always, while showing secondary controls only on demand.

Kirigami Components will do some of that adaptation / optimization work for you, but be prepared to also manually adapt your user interface for different devices.