zlacker

It's buried too deep. Clicking on battery and seeing a line saying "There are apps preventing sleep >" and hovering on it to see a list is way better than digging activity monitor.

Another option might be another section for apps preventing sleep, like power hungry applications.

>>bayind+(OP)
Or, when apps try to intercept sleep the OS can pop an Allow/Don't allow dialog before the app can actually achieve this

>>foobar+m4
That'd create a lot of interruptions for the user. Some apps use it temporarily in critical sections, web media players enable/disable when play/pause events happen, etc.

An indicator and selective overrides is the way, IMHO. Invisible if you don't look, but it's there when you need it.

>>bayind+p5
>Invisible if you don't look, but it's there when you need it.

so, like a white picket fence vs an invisible fence™ for your dog: white picket fence (not to mention two kids) is so unsightly people would never use it as a metaphor for bliss, why not just give the dog his unexpected-can't-see-it-coming-shock collar? let him discover through repeated trial and error what he's allowed and what he is not.

sounds about right, you've help me articulate what I don't like about modern so-called design

>>fsckbo+Kd
Actually, the example in my mind was a bit different: "Elegantly invisible", I call it. Let me give a couple of examples.

In Europe, in some cities you see huge planters with blooming flowers. They are well looked after and a bliss to be around them. Look from above, they are strategically placed bollards. Even a tank can't pass through them. Smaller installations are made around banks for example. These "small", ordinary looking planters weigh a couple of tons, plus they're firmly planted to the ground. They are essentially fortified walls, but they don't distract you, and enhance the environment in a way, too.

In Amsterdam Central Station, there is a big locker room, which is invisible if you don't know, but very evident when you follow the signs.

My proposition was similar. A section under battery status menu: No Apps Preventing Sleep. Simple. Invisible, unobtrusive, but bright as day when you know where to look.

I don't like the design you gave examples for. I don't like things which I can't find, and only see if the app seems to be in the mood for it. My proposition is a bit more nuanced. You know where it is, you know where to look, but it's not an eye sore or a distraction.