[neilv]

Or, use tiling window manager, but also have symbolic mnemonics for the apps (not have to remember on which desktop it's on, nor change your muscle memory if you change what desktop it's on).

For example mnemonic "M" for mail/email, so my xmonad.hs has something like:

    , ((mod3Mask, xK_m), raiseNextMaybe (spawn "/usr/bin/someemailprog") (className =? "Someemailprog"))

Anytime I hid modifier+M, it will either go to the desktop and window with the mail program, or start the mail program if it's not yet running.

Personally, my mail program is usually on desktop 1, but some of the other program, like Web browser, I move between desktops as needed for tasks. Hitting modifier+W always gets to it.