282 - Let's Get Nerdy : WordPress, Page Builders, CSS Class-First Design and more with Kevin Geary
Sep 4, 2023
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Kevin Geary, a web design educator and creator of automatic.css and frames for WordPress, dives into the future of WordPress. He discusses the evolving role of page builders and emphasizes a CSS class-first design approach for scalability. Kevin critiques the WordPress block editor and its functionality, while exploring challenges faced by users with full site editing. The conversation also touches on the upcoming Divi 5 and the need for merging innovation with user expectations, offering insights for both seasoned designers and newcomers.
WordPress's open-source nature facilitates limitless customization and extensive community support, making it a popular choice despite emerging competition.
Adopting CSS class-first design enables easier maintenance and scalability in web projects, streamlining the development process for designers.
New web designers are encouraged to focus on mastering one or two tools to improve their efficiency and project management skills.
Deep dives
New Podcast Playlists Available
Several new podcast playlists have been launched, focusing on various themes important for web designers. These playlists cover topics such as accessibility, self-care for web designers, content marketing, copywriting, and more. The aim is to provide curated listening pathways that assist listeners in their web design journeys. With hundreds of episodes available, these playlists serve as valuable resources for anyone looking to enhance their skills and knowledge in web design.
The Strength of WordPress
WordPress is regarded as a robust platform due to its open-source nature, which allows for limitless customization and a vast ecosystem of support. This characteristic makes it less vulnerable to competition, as users appreciate the flexibility and the extensive community backing. The speaker argues that the reason many choose WordPress is not because it is the best content management system but because it offers immense possibilities for development and integration. This intangible asset of being open-source is a significant factor in its continued popularity and longevity in the market.
Insights into CSS and Best Practices
Effective web design requires following best practices, particularly when it comes to implementing CSS. The discussion emphasizes the importance of class-based CSS over other methods, arguing that using classes allows for easier maintenance and scalability when working on websites. By structuring styles around reusable classes, designers can quickly update multiple elements across a site with just a single change. This method reduces the likelihood of manual errors and enhances the overall efficiency of site development, making it essential for web designers to adopt these principles.
Challenges in the Current Web Design Landscape
The evolving landscape of web design presents both challenges and opportunities, especially for beginners who often feel overwhelmed by the multitude of tools available. The conversation highlights the need for aspiring web designers to focus on a few tools rather than trying to master all options at once. This approach allows for deeper understanding and mastery of chosen tools, leading to a more streamlined workflow. Ultimately, it's recommended that new designers streamline their processes by selecting one or two primary tools to ensure they can manage their projects effectively.
The Future of WordPress and Page Builders
The ongoing development of WordPress's block editor and full site editing functionalities has sparked discussions about its future and the fate of existing page builders. There is speculation about whether WordPress aims to overshadow tools like Divi or Elementor by enhancing its native options. While some believe this could potentially create uncertainty in the market, others argue that WordPress's open-source ecosystem and community support will keep it relevant. As WordPress evolves, it will be essential for web designers to stay informed and adapt their strategies in an ever-changing environment.
Fellow web design educator Kevin Geary (creator of automatic.css and frames for WordPress) is on the show to share his perspective on where WordPress is headed, the role of page builders moving forward, CSS class first design for scalability and more.
In This Episode
00:00 - The Future of WordPress 11:15 - Comparing Page Builders for Web Design 18:14 - Discussion on Web Design Approaches 29:47 - Best Practices and Future of WordPress 37:29 - WordPress Block Editor vs. Page Builders Controversy 49:31 - WordPress Community 53:16 - Divi 5 and the Future of WordPress Frameworks