The Problem

GutenbergGutenberg The Gutenberg project is the new Editor Interface for WordPress. The editor improves the process and experience of creating new content, making writing rich content much simpler. It uses ‘blocks’ to add richness rather than shortcodes, custom HTML etc. https://wordpress.org/gutenberg/ needs to provide a way for users to discover and install new third-party blocks without ever leaving the editor. We are looking for a volunteer to lead the design part of this project.

Background

Currently, new Gutenberg blocks can be provided by plugins, which often register many blocks, and which are managed from outside the editor. The Block Directory proposal outlines a new type of simple blockBlock Block is the abstract term used to describe units of markup that, composed together, form the content or layout of a webpage using the WordPress editor. The idea combines concepts of what in the past may have achieved with shortcodes, custom HTML, and embed discovery into a single consistent API and user experience.-based pluginPlugin A plugin is a piece of software containing a group of functions that can be added to a WordPress website. They can extend functionality or add new features to your WordPress websites. WordPress plugins are written in the PHP programming language and integrate seamlessly with WordPress. These can be free in the WordPress.org Plugin Directory https://wordpress.org/plugins/ or can be cost-based plugin from a third-party that is intended to be seamlessly installed from within Gutenberg itself. This is one of the 9 priorities in the 2019 roadmap.

The WordPress.orgWordPress.org The community site where WordPress code is created and shared by the users. This is where you can download the source code for WordPress core, plugins and themes as well as the central location for community conversations and organization. https://wordpress.org/ APIAPI An API or Application Programming Interface is a software intermediary that allows programs to interact with each other and share data in limited, clearly defined ways. will provide an endpoint for searching for blocks by name and description, and return metadata similar to that of plugins. Gutenberg’s Inserter could use that endpoint to also show relevant block plugins that are available to install, with a button and process for seamless installation. Some early sketches of ideas have been made, such as these:

(Note that these are all merely explorations and visual ideas, not set in stone)

It will be important to give users enough information about available blocks in order to make an informed decision – which might include the author, review ratings, and so on – without overloading them with too much information.

One key feature that might help improve the user experience is to allow users to insert a preview of the block into their document first, before installing the plugin, and then use the preview to make their decision about whether or not to install it.

Decisions to be made

As of now, there are some ideas sketched out and some general requirements as outlined above. There is work already on the block management feature, which is tangentially related. But there are many decisions yet to be made. Work needs to begin soon if this is to be ready in time for the WordPress 5.3 release later this year.

Some of the main design issues that need to be resolved include:

• How and where to show search results within the Inserter
• How to give users enough detail to make an informed decision about which block to install
• What the Install process would look like
• How to display a preview placeholder
• How to manage installation requests by non-admin users

Get Involved

We are looking for a volunteer designer who can manage this project and commit enough time to see it through to completion in time for the 5.3 release. Responsibilities would include:

• Solving the experience and designing the interface
• Collaborating with other designers, soliciting feedback and reviewing submissions
• Creating issues, wireframes, posts, and designs
• Working with Gutenberg and MetaMeta Meta is a term that refers to the inside workings of a group. For us, this is the team that works on internal WordPress sites like WordCamp Central and Make WordPress. developers
• Organising and running user tests
• Iterating the design based on feedback and results
• Meeting the deadlines to include the necessary changes in the WP 5.3 release

Given the nature of the work and the time frame, we expect that this is a project that will need a minimum commitment of at least a day a week, and possibly considerably more at times.

If you think you might be the right person for the task, please make yourself known to the Design Team during the weekly meeting, Wednesday 18:00 UTC in #design. Or alternatively, leave a comment below.

#block-directory, #design, #plugins, #ux