I worked on Dockside last year (https://hachipoo.com/dockside-app) — a small macOS app that makes use of the unused space around the Dock (especially nice on widescreens). It’s non-intrusive and lets you drag & drop files, jot quick notes, or add shortcuts right beside the Dock so they’re always handy without cluttering the desktop.

Right now I’m adding few of the most requested user-requested features (vertical Dock support etc.) and working on refining it for Tahoe release.