The WordPress world is positively buzzing, and at the heart of it all are Gutenberg and Full Site Editing (FSE). They’re not just passing fads; they’re fundamental shifts in how we build and experience websites. This is especially exciting for custom WordPress developers because the future is ripe with opportunity! So, what does the future hold for these game-changers over the next couple of years? Let’s have a gander at some predictions and exciting possibilities!

The Continued Rise of Gutenberg (and its Maturation)

Gutenberg isn’t just a block editor any more; it’s the bedrock of the entire WordPress experience. Over the next few years, we can expect:

1

Enhanced Block Functionality

Think more sophisticated blocks, better handling of dynamic content, and improved integration with various plugins and services. Imagine blocks that seamlessly pull in data from your CRM or social media feeds – the possibilities are endless! This means custom WordPress developers will be able to create even more powerful and bespoke solutions.

2

Improved User Experience

Gutenberg’s interface will likely become even more intuitive and user-friendly, making it easier for everyone, from beginners to seasoned developers, to create stunning websites. We might see more drag-and-drop capabilities, smarter content suggestions, and more streamlined workflows.

3

Deeper Customisation Options

While Gutenberg already offers a good level of customisation, we can anticipate even greater control over block styles, layouts, and overall site design. This is where the expertise of a custom WordPress developer truly shines, allowing users to create truly unique and visually appealing websites without needing to write a line of code.

Full Site Editing: Taking Centre Stage

FSE is the key that unlocks the full potential of Gutenberg, and it’s a game-changer for theme development WordPress. In the coming years:

  • Seamless Theme Integration:
    FSE will become more tightly integrated with themes, making it easier for theme developers to create flexible and customisable templates. This will lead to a new generation of WordPress themes that are both powerful and easy to use. This is a big opportunity for those who create WordPress themes and build WordPress themes.
  • Drag-and-Drop Site Building:
    Imagine being able to design your entire website, from header to footer, using a simple drag-and-drop interface. FSE is moving us closer to this reality, making WordPress accessible to a wider audience. This will also impact WordPress theme customisation as it will become more visual.
  • Enhanced Template Management:
    Managing and customising templates will become much more streamlined, allowing users to easily create and modify different layouts for various pages and sections of their websites. This will influence how custom WP themes are structured.

The Impact on Developers (and Designers)

These advancements will have a significant impact on developers and designers:

  • Focus on Block Development:
    Developers will increasingly focus on creating custom Gutenberg blocks, offering specialised functionality and design options. This will require a deeper understanding of JavaScript and React. This is where custom WordPress developers will be in high demand.
  • The Rise of “Block Designers”:
    We might see the emergence of “block designers” – professionals who specialise in creating visually appealing and functional Gutenberg blocks.
  • Collaboration is Key:
    Developers and designers will need to collaborate closely to create seamless and user-friendly WordPress experiences. This is especially true for those offering theme custom WordPress services.

Beyond the Basics: Emerging Trends

Looking further ahead, we can expect some exciting trends to emerge:

AI Integration

Imagine Gutenberg suggesting layouts, content ideas, or even automatically generating blocks based on your input. AI could revolutionise the way we build websites.

Improved Performance

As Gutenberg and FSE mature, we can expect further improvements in website performance, leading to faster loading times and better user experiences.

Accessibility Enhancements

WordPress is committed to accessibility, and we can expect continued improvements in Gutenberg and FSE to make websites more inclusive and accessible to everyone.

The Future is Bright!

The future of Gutenberg and FSE is incredibly exciting. Over the next few years, we can expect to see WordPress become even more powerful, flexible, and user-friendly. This is a fantastic opportunity for developers, designers, and anyone who wants to create a stunning website. Whether you’re looking for a custom WordPress theme, need help with WordPress theme customisation, or want to create WordPress theme from scratch, the future is bright. So, buckle up and get ready for the next chapter in the WordPress story!

Brendan Proctor

22 Years of experience in UI web design & front end development. Designing, developing & promoting websites for all kinds of businesses in the United Kingdom, Ireland, United States, Germany, Switzerland and South Africa. Spends his week days buried in responsive web site design & front end development making the most of CSS & Javascript.

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