Five for the Future Unveils a Fresh Block-Based Design: A New Era of WordPress Contributions
The WordPress community has seen a series of exciting updates recently, and the latest comes from the redesign of the Five for the Future website. After significant revamps to key sections of WordPress.org—including the homepage, Theme Directory, Plugin Directory, Pattern Directory, and HelpHub—the Meta team has turned its attention to Five for the Future, unveiling a fresh block-based design just in time for WordCamp US 2024.
This redesign is a collaboration between members of the Meta, Design, and Community teams, reflecting a broader push to modernize and create a more unified WordPress.org experience.
A Fresh New Look for Five for the Future
In a recent announcement, Nick Diego, Developer Relations Advocate, explained the vision behind the update: “This visual update is part of an ongoing effort to create a consistent design language across WordPress.org… This change marks the beginning of modernizing Five for the Future.”
The redesigned site now features a block-based child theme built on the WordPress.org parent theme, streamlining both aesthetics and functionality. This shift allows for more efficient updates and improvements in the future.
Key Features of the New Homepage
One of the primary focuses of the update was to enhance the ease of management for site administrators while providing a more engaging experience for users. Key changes include:
- Full Block Conversion: All content has been transformed into blocks, making the site more flexible and user-friendly when it comes to updates and content management.
- Standardized Design Elements: The layout, typography, and color scheme now align with the broader WordPress.org ecosystem, creating a cohesive visual experience across different sections of the platform.
- Contributor Testimonials: A new section featuring contributor testimonials has been added to the homepage and also exists as a dedicated page. This section celebrates the work and experiences of community members who contribute to WordPress, giving the initiative a more personal touch.
- Pledges Directory: The updated pledges directory showcases organizations committed to supporting the Five for the Future initiative, listing their contributions and impact.
What’s Next for Five for the Future?
The redesign is just the beginning. The Meta team has laid out plans for several future enhancements, aiming to make the site even more interactive and informative for contributors and supporters. Some of the exciting upcoming features include:
- Case Studies and More Testimonials: The site will soon feature case studies highlighting the work of participating organizations, alongside additional testimonials to inspire others to contribute.
- A Dedicated Blog and Newsletter: A Five for the Future blog and newsletter are in development, providing a platform to share news, updates, and success stories from the community.
Nick Diego shared insights on these future plans: “Forthcoming updates will aim to improve organization profiles by listing activity, automating emails, enhancing onboarding, and adding options for sponsored contributors. The goal is to showcase the strength and impact of Five for the Future with a refreshed, feature-rich website.”
How to Get Involved
The Meta team encourages community feedback to continue refining the new theme. If you have suggestions or notice any issues, you can open a ticket on GitHub. Additionally, for those interested in staying up to date with WordPress.org changes, the #website-redesign Slack channel offers ongoing discussions and announcements.
This redesign of Five for the Future is more than just a visual upgrade—it’s a testament to WordPress’s commitment to fostering a thriving, collaborative community. With more updates on the horizon, the initiative promises to make contributing to WordPress more accessible and rewarding than ever before.
