Ok ...for starters ... the taskbar:
Ferinstance, could those open folder indicators 'slide' along the brass tubes ..and 'disappear/slide' into an unseen area, as they were closed ...and 'slide' back into view if they [or a new window/app] were opened again?
and .. the 'executables' [all programs menu]:
Would it be feasible/possible to add 'slide' sideways horizontal brass tubing, so that it also appears to slide out from the main startmenu?
This, of course is quite possibly just gobbledygook to you ...and can quite safely be disregarded as nonsense.
Just keeping within the whole 'slide' thingy you've got going on there.... 