If you use an application or tool very often you'll probably want faster access to it.

In KDE, you can add a single application or an entire menu as a special quick-launch button on the kicker.

If you'd like to start an application directly from a launch button on your kicker, try the following on your own desktop:

Choose: Application Starter > Configure Panel > Add > Button, and choose an application from the menu like in the top example.

This should give you a brand-new icon on your panel, similar to the one in the bottom example.