For example, all "content" related menu items are in the same panel. This eliminates the "where do I go to do this and that" we so frequently hear from new, and even intermediate, users.

This is a great idea, you're not the first one that thought about this. BUT you need to make new hooks so installed components CAN append their relative items there. Content is not only Joomla's article, for some sites other components are the main area of interest. The problem is that I don't see how this can be done in J4, as this version is incremental and not a brand new concept (e.g. joomla x).

This new menu intends to feel like a "dashboard", in a sense that the user will find everything he needs in a glimpse.

Personally (I'm a mac guy) I don't even like the idea, I like simple things and this is way too overcrowded (at least for my taste)

Here is an idea to remove the most rarely used menu entries: #15451 (comment) without loosing any of the functionality (slightly different workflow)

So to recap here: try to get an answer from @wilsonge (he's the leader for J4) if the radical changes that you are proposing are in the limits of J4 and then either work on them or postpone this for Joomla X

Content is not only Joomla's article, for some sites other components are the main area of interest. The problem is that I don't see how this can be done in J4, as this version is incremental and not a brand new concept (e.g. joomla x).

dont forget that the menu is no longer fixed in the hardcoded structure as seen prior to 3.7. It can now be completely customised

@brianteeman Really? I'm glad to hear that.
Just to be clear, will it be possible to modify any menu?
Including "user", "content", etc?

as of today - yes

@brianteeman still we are talking here about default db data, and also where the related new components will append their links. Also I mighty be wrong here...

In his proposals the component links go to the "Components" submenu exactly like always.
With the custom admin menu, it can be moved however wherever the user wants it to be. There is no need for any hooks or special code imho (would be a bad idea anyway). It's also the same behavior with the current J4 menu, no difference.

Yes, I took great care to avoid triggering core code changes.
This is a new information architecture and design, based on the current menu.
The idea is that this would be doable for J4, and even for J3.8 if time allows, so no structural changes.

The only elements there that could cause some trouble are the "Joomla up to date" and "components up to date" icons, which would trigger a query to several external sites on every page load, so we may leave those just at the dashboard. Note: I'm not a developer, so I might be squarely wrong here (maybe this info could be cached, or checked every x minutes independent of page change, I don't know).

I quite like this concept actually. It's not so different to what we have now so I'm assuming it can be done without huge amounts of extra work beyond @ciar4n 's work.

Can you do some mobile concepts though? I'm not quite sure how this is going to work on mobile (@C-Lodder made a good point here: #15430 (comment))

@wilsonge thanks for the positive answer.
I'll do the mobile concepts and update the document in a few days.
Cheers!

Still not liking this concept purely based on my comment linked by George

I like the structure change and how the menu items have been grouped. You appear to have found a place for everything that is easily understandable.

On the general design I tend to agree with @dgt41 (#15430 (comment)). I am not sure if splitting the menu in to a collection of 'modules' makes for a fluid and functional menu. I have no doubt that it could look better and may aid a complete novice however most Joomla users would be using this menu every day and should be almost able to navigate it with their eyes closed. That means a set vertical rhythm which splitting the menu into 'modules' will likely destroy.

The same options can be done in other ways (eg. inline).

Your 'Content' tab...

@ciar4n Hey, awesome idea!
Will implement and update the doc shortly.

Page 4 in the doc was updated with @ciar4n design.
I`ll review the remaining pages and adjust accordingly.

The document was updated with @ciar4n contribution.
It looks more concise now, with everything in a single column, except components, which looks a little bit better now (plus I can`t see a better solution for components right now).

@brianteeman After applying Ciaran's idea, I can envision it on mobile quite easily.
Components will use an accordion system instead of two columns, and the + sign is quite universal (but it can also be a down arrow, and that will be the designer's team choice, not mine).
Some other blocks will also use accordion, if there is not enough screen space (such as languages, extensions and users), with either a + sign or a down arrow.

Again, there is no design here, just basic form and function, and the most important: Organization.
And since I'm using Google Slides to make this a document where people can edit and collaborate, there are several design limitations.

I am closing this here as there is a duplicate but current issue directly in the ux tracker.