When a company chooses to implement a CMS for their business, it does not mean that they are neglecting coding or operating on a limited budget. Contrary to popular belief, CMSs are highly efficient software, with many of them being open source, which has contributed to their scalability and security. But what exactly is a CMS? The first CMSs emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s, driven by the need for content creators to publish their content without having to learn coding or hire developers. With the increasing demand, CMSs quickly evolved. Today, over 77 million websites on the internet use CMSs. There are over 800 thousand CMSs available in the market, and CMS revenue is projected to grow at a rate of 5.44 percent annually, reaching a total value of $27.3 billion by 2028.
Now, let’s delve deeper into the concept of a Dynamic Content Management System (DCMS). A DCMS is a software that allows anyone to create and manage content for websites or applications. In this article, we will focus on WordPress as an example of a dynamic CMS, providing insights for UX designers.
One of the key distinctions in CMSs is the difference between static and dynamic platforms. Dynamic CMS platforms, such as WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla, generate content in real time and excel in managing frequently changing content and user interactions. On the other hand, non-dynamic CMSs, like Jekyll, Hugo, and Gatsby, pre-generate content during the build process, resulting in each page being a distinct HTML file. These non-dynamic CMSs are suitable for websites that only require a few static pages.
There are several benefits to using a CMS. Firstly, a CMS eliminates the need for coding knowledge, as it provides a prebuilt interface for managing content, allowing anyone to add, change, and delete content without relying on developers. This streamlines the process and allows for easier issue escalation and content management by multiple individuals. Additionally, CMSs are UX-friendly, as they come with prebuilt interfaces that have already been designed with user experience in mind. They also offer a range of plugins, APIs, and tools that facilitate user insights. Moreover, CMSs are cost-effective, enabling businesses to quickly and easily build websites using free or affordable themes and plugins, rather than investing significant resources in development.
However, there are some drawbacks to using a CMS. Customization abilities may be limited when working with prebuilt solutions, making it challenging to achieve the desired design or functionality. It is crucial to carefully select the right CMS and theme, as changing themes or migrating the website can be cumbersome once the content is in place. Additionally, the absence of specialist support can be problematic, as CMSs still require specific expertise to ensure security and compliance.
As a UX designer working with a dynamic CMS like WordPress, it is essential to understand the design process. When creating a new WordPress theme, start by establishing a design system that includes colors, typography, and styles. Then, focus on crafting the most important WordPress elements, such as the homepage, footer, header, landing pages, blog page, contact page, and archive pages. Additionally, consider incorporating widgets, which are self-contained blocks or modules that perform specific functions and can be added to various areas of a webpage.
If you are designing for an existing WordPress theme, it is important to consider aesthetics, responsiveness, functionalities, and user testing. Understand the limitations and editable components of the theme before designing to avoid compatibility issues. Test the theme’s responsiveness across different screen sizes and ensure that any new elements added to the website remain responsive. Check the compatibility of plugins you intend to use with the theme to avoid design conflicts and functionality issues. Finally, leverage WordPress plugins and integrations for user testing and analytics, such as GA Google Analytics and Error Tracker.
In conclusion, CMSs have revolutionized content creation and management, making it accessible to a wider audience. Whether designing for a prebuilt theme or creating a new one, UX designers play a vital role in ensuring a seamless user experience within a dynamic CMS like WordPress.
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