Simplified Theming for Big Box

📋 Summary

Make theming for Big Box more accessible by simplifying the theming language and providing better tools and documentation. The current XAML-based system is powerful but requires programming knowledge, which makes it difficult for designers and hobbyists to create or modify themes.

🎯 Feature Overview

• Introduce a simpler markup-style theming language, inspired by web standards like:

  • HTML + CSS for layout and styling.

  • Lightweight scripting (e.g., JavaScript-like logic) for animations and interactivity.

• Add a visual theme editor or live preview tool within Big Box or LaunchBox, so users can design and test themes without coding.

• Create an official theming documentation hub, including:

  • Starter templates and component examples.

  • Style references and layout guides.

  • Tutorials for both beginners and advanced creators.

🛠 Example Use Case

A designer wants to make a minimalist grid-based theme.

• Current process: Must learn XAML syntax and understand C# bindings.

• Proposed process: Use a simple markup layout and CSS-like styling—or adjust visuals directly in a built-in editor—with instant preview.

📦 Benefits

• 🧠 Makes theming approachable for non-programmers.

• 🧰 Encourages more community-made themes and experimentation.

• 🚀 Speeds up theme creation and customization.

• 📚 Builds a stronger, more diverse theme creator community.

• 🌍 Improves consistency and flexibility across all Big Box setups.

💡 Notes

This would future-proof Big Box’s theming framework by aligning it more closely with familiar design paradigms, lowering the learning curve, and encouraging broader creative participation.