The first “desktop experience” I created back in 2002, with a simulated web-based Windows desktop. Next attempt was two years later, this time a true “window manager” for QeX 4 and later for my personal website.
User was able to maximize, minimize or drag around the window. It either displayed an internal content, or external content in an iframe. Properties of each window, like position or state, was stored in a session and in user's profile.
Tiles in Win8 Start Menu is a great concept.