#162 – Jo Minney on Website Usability Testing for WordPress Projects

On the podcast today we have Ryan Welcher. This was recorded at WordCamp Asia in Manila, and centres upon his developer relations work with Automattic, and his popular "Block Developer Cookbook" workshop. We discuss some recent new features in WordPress Core, including the Block Bindings API, Plugin Template Registration API, and Data Views, as well as the growing focus on documentation and developer experience in the WordPress community. We also touch on the impact of AI on WordPress development and the importance of interactive, engaging workshops at WordCamps. If you’re interested in what’s new in WordPress development, want to understand where the project is heading, or are curious about the real impact of recent changes and features, this episode is for you.

On the podcast today we have Aaron D. Campbell, and we're here to talk about the significance of open standards and open source in the digital world. Aaron shares his 18-year journey contributing to WordPress, and expresses excitement about its future as an open, viable counterbalance to closed platforms. We discuss the history and current state of the internet, emphasising the importance of choice and interoperability. The conversation covers the impact of proprietary platforms and highlights efforts to promote open standards, ultimately Aaron argues for a more open, and collaborative, web for innovation and societal benefit. If you're curious about the role of open systems and the future they shape, and why the open web matters now more than ever, this episode is for you.

On the podcast today we have Milana Cap, and she's here to talk about her presentation at WordCamp Asia in Manila, titled "WordPress gems for developers: fresh new features you'll actually want to use." Milana, a WordPress Engineer at XWP from Serbia, discusses the significance of the Interactivity API and HTML API in modern WordPress development. The Interactivity API enables communication between Gutenberg blocks, while the HTML API simplifies server-side DOM manipulation using PHP. These advancements enhance WordPress' interactivity, boost performance, and provide standardised solutions for developers, improving efficiency and moving WordPress into the future. If you're a developer looking to leverage these new WordPress features, this episode is for you.

On the podcast today we have Birgit Pauli-Haack who I spoke to at WordCamp Asia. We explore WordPress Playground, a transformative tool allowing users to launch a WordPress instance directly in their browsers without needing a server, PHP, or a database. Users can test plugins, themes, and content seamlessly. We also discuss the potential for Blueprints, pre-configured setups with specific plugins and themes, offering a demo-like experience that could be used for education or plugin demonstrations. We touch on potential future developments, including permanent local storage and integration with hosting providers. If you’re curious about how the WordPress Playground is set to usher in a new era of friction-free web development, this episode is for you.

In this episode recorded at WordCamp Asia, Jo Minney discusses her expertise in usability testing. She highlights the importance of usability for improving user experience and conversion rates, differentiating it from user acceptance testing. Jo shares insights on conducting cost-effective usability tests, focusing on qualitative data and involving diverse participants. She emphasises the economic benefits of usability improvements and the need for proactive client communication to address usability and accessibility issues. Jo also discusses the role of testing in preventing poor practices like "deceptive design" and enhancing client relations through regular reviews. If you're looking to gain a deeper understanding of usability testing and its benefits, this episode is for you.

On the podcast today we have Robert Jacobi and he's here to talk about his tech journey, and his role at Black Wall, formerly BotGuard. We talk about the OSI model, explaining how computer networks communicate through seven layers, from application to physical. Robert shares insights into Black Wall's focus on preventing bot attacks at a layer far from the website, mitigating risks before they hit the hosting company. There's also a brief discussion of WordPress plugins and the complexity of online security, with a nod to the hope of increasing listeners' understanding of these intricate processes. If you've ever wondered about the unseen layers of internet security and infrastructure, or the strategic moves involved in rebranding a tech company, this episode is for you.

On the podcast today we have Rahul Bansal, CEO of rtCamp. He's here to talk about his journey from a blogger to running a large enterprise WordPress agency. Rahul discusses the nuances of working with enterprise clients, emphasising scalability and security. We get into rtCamp's growth, client acquisition strategies, and their unique training initiative attracting talent from colleges, focused on contributing to WordPress and fostering open-source advocacy. Rahul also highlights WordPress's adaptability, particularly with Gutenberg, in crafting robust, enterprise-level solutions while actively supporting the WordPress community. If you've ever considered what it takes to work with WordPress at the enterprise level, this episode is for you.

On the podcast today we have James Kemp, the Core Product Lead for WooCommerce at Automattic. James discusses his role in overseeing the Woo product, emphasising improvements and innovations in WooCommerce. He outlines the platform's significant market share, driving e-commerce strategies for various scales of businesses. The discussion also covers flexibility, backward compatibility challenges, new branding, and the competitive e-commerce landscape, exploring how WooCommerce compares to SaaS competitors. James expresses openness to community suggestions and highlights e-commerce trends like mobile technology, augmented solutions, and the evolving nature of online purchasing. If you are keen to understand the breadth of WooCommerce's impact on e-commerce, or are curious about the direction of online shopping, this episode is for you.

On the podcast today we have John Overall, a veteran podcaster in the WordPress space. We discuss John's journey in podcasting, starting with WP Plugins A to Z. John shares insights on the evolution of podcasting and WordPress, emphasising the importance of audio quality and the community's role in WordPress's growth. He talks about involving his daughter in his podcast, adapting content for a younger audience, and continuing to expand their business's expertise. The episode highlights the enduring value and impact of podcasting in the WordPress community. If you’re passionate about WordPress, podcasting, or just interested in understanding a holistic approach to long-term content creation and audience engagement, this episode is for you.

On the podcast today we have Katie Keith, the founder and CEO of Barn2 Plugins. Katie shares her journey from running a WordPress agency to transitioning into a successful WordPress plugin company specialising in WooCommerce and other plugins. She discusses the challenges and strategies involved in this transition, including the initial successes and later refinements to her business model. Katie also touches on the current state of the WordPress and WooCommerce markets, her future business plans, and the impact of her husband leaving the company. If you’re curious about the intricacies of building a plugin business, or are seeking inspiration from someone who has already navigated the WordPress ecosystem, this episode is for you.