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The task manager could display application status graphically. It could get its cues from a number of sources:

• the process' CPU usage
  
• the application's cursor (wait, normal..)
  
• the program's IO rate & virtual memory percentage
  
• does the application require focus?
  
• is the application doing a process that is reporting % done?
  
• has the application just been launched?
  
• ..add more stuff here..
  
  

The % done I have already seen suggested, but I'm thinking of more. The main work would be to make sure this information is not just all mashed into the task's button, but simplified into a graphic icon according to all those clues, so that it is clear to even non computer savvy people what is going on.

These simplified info would inform the user: program doesn't have enough memory (we detect high swap delta & low free mem), program is initializing (high CPU and the app was started recently), app is waiting for user input (sort of like how the button is highlighted now when an app needs attention)...

This job would have three separate requirements:
1) Discuss what application states we can derive from the information we have available (like examples previous paragraph)
2) How to display that graphically in order to provide some guidance for theme authors
3) Code everything

I would be willing to make some sample code if we get enough positive input here (e.g. an experimental task manager plasmoid - although I don't have that much experience in KDE coding, so if there are any other candidates.. ), if that would turn out OK somebody with more time could then help..