Does Gutenberg Address the Needs of the Average WordPress User?

Gutenberg Address the Needs of the Average WordPress

Change is the only constant and the same is being applied for the new Gutenberg editor release. Before the release of the new version, there are hundreds of opinions voiced from around the globe suggesting changes. But isn’t it quite fascinating and enigmatic that classic editor that has been known to all is being replaced?

According to the statement by WordPress, the new editor will create all types of content using blocks. There are multiple inconsistent methods of customizing WordPress which will be blocked by the same. Thus it aims to bring it in line with modern coding standards and align it with the open web initiative.

The interaction of the platform with the users, developers, and the hosts will be transformed by these blocks. Making rich and intuitive content will be convenient with it. Regardless of the technical abilities it will democratize publishing and work for everyone.

Despite the release still pending the evolving and upgrading plugin versions tells a different tale. And it sure feels good. The two important questions that arise with it are 1.) Is the editor trying to fix any pain points? 2.) Will the new Gutenberg Address the demands of the audience? Let’s find out.

The Classic Editor

The classic version is quite a feat of simplicity at first glance without the clutter of themes and plugins. The audience that is new to the platform will discover a little box with a toolbar attached. It is similar to a processor of the word and this brings comfort for the beginners.

WordPress has evolved when it comes to improvising the onboarding process. But technically it did not demand any specific change. Hence, the user experience with it varies depending on the individual need.

For the users who need to insert only simple content with some images, this is the best version. But in case you want advanced formatting then you would surely feel this set up to be a little dull. It is because of this reason that the page builder plugins have gained popularity.

Such plugins substitute the simplicity with various states of complexity. Naturally, they are better with functionalities.

When a user demands things that are not available with the default style i.e. multi-column layout, design-centric features, repositioning content, and modification without coding then such plugins play a crucial role.

Have the developers have tried to ensure that the Gutenberg address most of the demands of the audience? Yes, every time with a release they try to ensure it. But no matter how much is provided something or the other will always be missed out.

Twisting the approach

Page builders are not meant to be replaced by Gutenberg. But it will not be completely wrong to say that it is inspired by them. The developers have surely peeped into all the positives and negatives of the page builders before the development.

Despite the potential inspiration, it cannot be said that it is a standard page builder. But we can definitely second the views that it will replace multiple inconsistent ways of customizing the platform. In the classic ones, users had to jump through hoops and still not achieve the results that a modern editor could provide.

And if you are quite lucky and have achieved the results, then we are sure you had to find roundabout ways for it. But as the existing steps are fragile it must not be forgotten that the future edits will be complicated.

There are also dozens of hidden features. For example, the element of social media content works fantastically. But most of the users are still unaware of it.

The real question is, will it be through blocks only that Gutenberg address the content issue? Well, as per the official statement the content will be segregated and also available within a click or two. Irrespective of the other fuss this will be at the core of it.

Still a lot many things to achieve

Gutenberg has lately been fascinating for the users who have explored it. Does the Gutenberg address the efficiency and effectiveness of putting the content together? Oh yes, it does marvelously. It comes with a flexibility that fits in with varied workflows. Most needs of the users are suited just fine with it.

Selling the first generation of users on its value is going to be a difficult task for it. There are developers and individuals who are going to resist this change irrespective of it getting better. It’s a tough nut to crack when individuals perceive a loss of comfort.

Developers would want to turn off the editor for their clients as soon as it is launched. The compatibility of the same with Gutenberg plugins and customizations is still a crucial issue. Unless it is actually applied one cannot believe in the positive statements aired before the release.

If the team can fix the after-release-bug immediately faced by the audience around the globe, then it will have a long-term future. The compatibility of the editor for the average non-developers will also be a question in the loop.

If the audience feels it’s too much of a thing they might fear it. And as it is widely said unfamiliarity wares users.

Can Gutenberg make it?

Can Gutenberg address the expectations and needs of the audience? It largely depends on the perspective of individuals. You will definitely be disappointed if you are expecting it to cover all the issues. At the end of the day, it is surely not the best and the greatest.

There are developers who feel that it is an attempt to beat back the competition. But again it will be a highly subjective statement because WordPress is a unique platform. One cannot compare it with Squarespace or Wix crowd. It will then be a battle of different leagues.

The only thing assured is that it will be purely improvising the content creation process. The process was previously introduced but this will be hands-down better. But expecting it to be perfect and up to the mark at all levels will be foolishness.

It will survive for sure. But the success largely depends on its compatibility and the UX. If both of these are top-notch from the beginning then it will be interesting to witness the future unfolding for the same. We hope you have a good time using it.