1. A method implemented by a computing device comprising: detecting an event to initiate arrangement of a graphical user interface for a platform into a simultask mode that enables combined user access to multiple applications of the platform via respective portions for the multiple applications exposed via the graphical user interface; responsive to detection of the event, activating the simultask mode by: controlling arrangement of the chrome elements within the graphical user interface to generate at least: a bladed view in a portion of the graphical user interface configured to provide a compact application representation for one application having a plurality of application-specific elements populated with data derived from metadata associated with the one application; and an expanded view for a different application in another portion of the graphical user interface configured to provide principal chrome for a different application; and exposing the bladed view and expanded view via the graphical user interface to facilitate the combined user access to the multiple applications.