A developer's frustration with macOS's virtual desktop evolution led to GridLion, an app that resurrects the grid-based Spaces layout from macOS Leopard. In 2006, Spaces allowed customizable grid arrangements where users could assign applications to specific spatial locations and navigate them through muscle memory.

Apple's 2011 Lion release replaced this with Mission Control, restricting desktops to a horizontal line that destroyed spatial navigation. The author found this regression so problematic that even alternative tools like Total Spaces introduced performance issues or required system modifications that became incompatible with newer security features.

GridLion wraps native macOS spaces with grid navigation support, working within Apple's locked-down APIs. A breakthrough came when the developer discovered they could remove space-switching animations without system edits, enabling instant grid navigation. The app requires Accessibility permissions, though the macOS permission flow proved more cumbersome than iOS's straightforward approval system.

The project reflects on indie development's continued relevance despite LLM proliferation. Building tools that feel 'right' through careful refinement and attention to detail still matters more than simply generating code. GridLion addresses a specific workflow need that mainstream window managers don't satisfy.