Introduction: The Evolution of WordPress Editing
WordPress has come a long way from its classic editor to the modern block-based system known as Gutenberg. The goal? To offer users a more intuitive, flexible, and design-friendly editing experience. Yet, despite its promise, many users still find the transition challenging.Ā
š¤ Why?
As a Product Manager, I see this as a typical adoption challenge: a powerful feature that solves many problems but introduces new friction points in the process. The Block Editor is a significant shift, and with any major product change, user adaptation is key.
This post explores (a) why users struggle with the Block Editor, (b) how these challenges impact WordPress adoption, and (c ) what can be done to improve the experience.
Understanding User Struggles with the Block Editor
1. The Learning Curve is Steep
One of the most common complaints about Gutenberg is that itās not as straightforward as the Classic Editor. For users accustomed to the simple WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) interface, the sudden shift to a block-based system feels overwhelming.
- Beginners face cognitive overload: Unlike traditional text editors, the Block Editor introduces new concepts like reusable blocks, block patterns, and nested structures.
- Experienced users feel resistance: Long-time WordPress users often find their muscle memory working against them. Tasks that used to take seconds now require relearning.
- Small businesses and bloggers are impacted: Casual users who just want to publish content without technical deep dives often struggle the most.
For further insights into user complaints regarding Gutenbergās steep learning curve, check out these discussions and analyses:
- Reddit Discussion on Gutenberg’s Usability
- Envato Blog on Gutenberg’s Learning Curve
- ThemeIsle Blog on Writersā Frustrations
- WordPress Support Forum on Gutenberg UX Issues
2. Inconsistencies in Design and Usability
- Plugin and Theme Conflicts: Many plugins are not fully optimized for the Block Editor, leading to inconsistencies in design and usability.
- Customization Confusion: While blocks offer flexibility, the process of fine-tuning designs (especially with global styles and block-based themes) isnāt always intuitive.
- UI Overload: The editor presents a lot of options, but finding the right settings for a simple task often requires multiple clicks and searching through menus.
For more details on these issues, refer to:
3. Unclear Value Proposition for Users Sticking to the Classic Editor
Many users continue using the Classic Editor plugin, which WordPress officially supports until 2024, or as long WordPress finds it necessary.
- Fear of breaking existing workflows: Users donāt see an immediate need to switch unless forced.
- Lack of compelling onboarding: There’s no clear incentive or guidance that explains why Gutenberg is better for their specific use case.
- Perceived speed issues: Some users report performance lags when working with large posts, leading them to revert to the Classic Editor.
For further reading on why users prefer the Classic Editor, check out:
- WP Tavernās Coverage on Classic Editor Usage Trends
- Torqueās Discussion on Gutenberg vs Classic Editor
The Product Manager’s Perspective: How Can We ImproveĀ Adoption?
From a product managerās standpoint, the Block Editor adoption challenge is an issue of user education, expectation setting, and incremental enhancements. Hereās how I would approach it:
1. Simplify the Onboarding Experience
One of the best ways to drive adoption is to make the first experience frictionless.
- Guided Tutorials: Instead of the generic onboarding tour, provide contextual, task-based tutorials. For Example: āCreate your first blog postā vs. a general walkthrough of all blocks.
- Interactive Walkthroughs: New users should be introduced to blocks using a step-by-step process, instead of being bombarded with all options at once.
- Role-Based Help: A small business owner doesnāt need to know developer-focused features. Hence personalizing the user onboarding experience can make a big difference.
2. Improve Editor UI and User Experience
- Declutter the Interface: Hide advanced settings by default and progressively reveal them based on user interaction.
- Better Visual Cues: Icons and tooltips should be intuitive, and block selection should feel seamless.
- Undo the āToo Many Clicksā Problem: Tasks like editing images, adjusting fonts, and embedding content should be as fast as they were in the Classic Editor.
3. Address Plugin and Theme Compatibility Concerns
- Encourage Standardization: WordPress should push for plugin and theme developers to adopt clear guidelines for Block Editor compatibility.
- Compatibility Warnings: If a plugin isnāt optimized for Gutenberg, WordPress should notify users before they install it.
- Developer Toolkits: Offering better documentation and testing tools for plugin authors can minimize inconsistencies.
4. Offer a āClassic Modeā Inside the Block Editor
Instead of forcing users into an all-or-nothing situation, a hybrid approach could ease the transition:
- A āClassic Modeā block: Allow users to write in a familiar environment while gradually introducing them to blocks.
- Adaptive Interface: If a user frequently ignores certain features, the UI should simplify itself over time.
5. Better Community Engagement & User Feedback Loops
- Beta Testing Groups: Actively involve users in feature testing before major updates roll out.
- Regular Check-Ins with the Community: WordPress thrives on its ecosystem. More transparency around changes and better user-driven feedback loops can build trust.
- Showcase Real Use Cases: Highlight businesses and creators who have successfully adopted Gutenberg, demonstrating its real-world benefits.
Closing Thoughts: Balancing Innovation and Usability
The Block Editor is a powerful tool, but its adoption struggles stem from a misalignment between product vision and user expectations. A Product Managerās role isnāt just to push new featuresāitās to ensure that users find value in them.
If I were leading the Gutenberg adoption strategy at WordPress, my priority would be:
- Making onboarding intuitive and gradual.
- Simplifying the editorās UI without removing power-user features.
- Ensuring seamless compatibility between blocks, plugins, and themes.
- Providing a safety net for hesitant users with a āClassic Modeā option.
- Strengthening community-driven improvements and feedback loops.
WordPress has always been about democratizing publishing. To stay true to that vision, Gutenberg must evolveānot just as a feature-rich editor but as an experience that makes content creation enjoyable for everyone.
š¬ Your thoughts please..
What has your experience been with the Block Editor? Have you embraced it fully, or do you still prefer the Classic Editor? Letās discuss in the comments or connect with me on LinkedIn!