Screenedge

Screenedge refers to the practice of using the physical edges of a display screen as a point of interaction or for displaying secondary information. This concept can be applied in various contexts, from personal computing to mobile devices and even specialized industrial displays.

In computing, screen edge interaction might involve hovering the mouse cursor over a screen border to reveal hidden menus, scroll content, or trigger specific application functions. This can enhance user workflow by providing quick access to commonly used tools without occupying primary screen real estate. For example, some operating systems or third-party applications utilize screen edges for task switching or launching frequently used programs.

On mobile devices, screen edge gestures are a common feature. Swiping from the left, right, or bottom edge of the screen often triggers navigation actions like returning to the previous screen, opening a side menu, or accessing recent applications. This design choice aims to maximize the usable display area by integrating controls into the screen's periphery. Some manufacturers have also incorporated physical "edge" screens on their devices, which can display notifications, time, or quick-access shortcuts when the main screen is off.

In more specialized applications, such as digital signage or control room dashboards, screen edges might be used to display system status indicators, environmental data, or alerts. This ensures that critical information is always visible at a glance, regardless of the primary content being displayed. The underlying principle remains the efficient use of the screen's boundary to augment the user experience or convey essential data.