The WordPress landscape is evolving rapidly, with Gutenberg and Full Site Editing (FSE) leading the charge. These aren’t fleeting trends; they represent a fundamental shift in how websites are built and experienced. For any custom WordPress developer, this evolution brings exciting opportunities! So, what does the future hold for these innovations over the next few years? Let’s take a closer look at some key predictions and trends.

The Continued Growth of Gutenberg (and Its Evolution)

Gutenberg has transformed from a simple block editor into the very foundation of WordPress. In the coming years, we can expect:

1

Enhanced Block Functionality

Blocks will become even more dynamic, with better support for interactive content and seamless integration with third-party services. Imagine blocks that automatically pull data from CRMs, social media feeds, or eCommerce platforms. This opens up new possibilities for custom WordPress developers to build more advanced and tailored 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

Greater Customisation Options

While Gutenberg already offers substantial flexibility, the future promises even more granular control over block styles, layouts, and entire site designs. This is where WordPress theme customisation becomes even more valuable, allowing developers to craft unique and immersive websites without needing extensive coding knowledge.

Full Site Editing: A New Era for WordPress Themes

FSE is unlocking Gutenberg’s full potential, making it a game-changer for theme development WordPress. Here’s what to expect:

  • Seamless Theme Integration:
    FSE will integrate more seamlessly with themes, enabling developers to build WordPress themes that are highly adaptable. This shift will lead to a new generation of custom WP themes that combine power and ease of use.
  • Drag-and-Drop Site Building:
    With FSE, designing an entire site—from the header to the footer—will be as simple as dragging and dropping elements. This transformation will make theme custom WordPress development even more accessible and visually driven, streamlining the process for designers and developers alike.
  • Enhanced Template Management:
    Users will have greater control over their site’s structure with improved template management. This will significantly influence how custom WordPress themes are designed and modified, making it easier than ever to switch layouts and customise page designs effortlessly.

The Impact on Developers and Designers

These advancements will bring notable changes for those involved in WordPress development:

  • Focus on Block Development:
    Developers will shift towards creating custom Gutenberg blocks with specialised functionalities. This will require expertise in JavaScript and React, further increasing the demand for skilled custom WordPress developers.
  • The Rise of Block Designers:
    We’re likely to see the emergence of “block designers”—professionals dedicated to crafting visually engaging and functional Gutenberg blocks tailored for different industries and use cases.
  • Enhanced Collaboration:
    Developers and designers will need to work even more closely to ensure a seamless and engaging user experience. This is particularly crucial for those offering theme custom WordPress services, where design and development intersect.

Emerging Trends in WordPress Development

Looking further ahead, several key trends are set to shape the future:

AI-Powered Assistance

AI is expected to play a bigger role in WordPress, from suggesting content layouts to automating block generation. This will enhance efficiency for developers and improve the overall user experience.

Performance Optimisation

As Gutenberg and FSE continue to evolve, we can expect optimisations that lead to faster load times, better responsiveness, and a smoother website-building experience.

Accessibility Enhancements

WordPress remains committed to accessibility, and we can anticipate further improvements in Gutenberg and FSE to ensure websites are inclusive for all users.

The Future is Exciting!

The evolution of Gutenberg and FSE is set to make WordPress even more powerful, flexible, and user-friendly. Whether you’re looking for a custom WordPress theme, need assistance with WordPress theme customisation, or want to create a WordPress theme from the ground up, the future is full of opportunities. So, if you’re in the UK and ready to embrace the next era of WordPress, now is the perfect time to get started!

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 the United Kingdom. Spends his week days buried in responsive web site design & front end development making the most of CSS & Javascript.

Read more