Child Theme Frameworks

Child Theme Frameworksthrough the lens ofUser Experience RYAN GREEN @RYNGRN RYANGREEN.INFO #WCNASH12

Hi, I’m Ryan.Also known as Ryan Green.

I do User Experience.And love every second.

UX… what does it mean?No, it’s not double rainbow intense.

InteractionsDesign Analytics Usability

Who engages in UX?Hint: it’s someone you know.

You do!Told ya you knew.

Everyone has a uniqueexperience.

Child ThemesWho. What. When. How. Etc. WTF.

What are child themes? Straight from the horse’s mouth: “A WordPress child theme is a theme that inherits the functionality of another theme, called the parent theme, and allows you to modify, or add to, the functionality of that parent theme.” http://codex.wordpress.org/Child_Themes

And a theme framework?More from the codex:A stand-alone base/starter theme that is intendedeither to be forked into another theme, or else beused as a Parent Theme template. http://codex.wordpress.org/Theme_Frameworks

Advantages to using a frameworkto create your child theme?

Advantage 1:Start with abulletproof themethat works out of thebox.

Advantage 2:In event of total meltdown…

Just delete itAnd start over!

Advantage 3:Roll multiple newthemes from acustom theme youalready created in notime!

Advantage 4:Stays up to date withlatest WordPressfunctionality &security.

Advantage 5:You don’t need to know PHP!The learning curve for developing new themeelements, moving or adding widgetized areas,and major architecture changes is steep.

Advantage 6:Visual design principles can be baked in. nataliedee.com

Disadvantages to usingframeworks?

Disadvantage 1:Commitment! Picking a schema means you arelocked-in to learning it and using it.

Disadvantage 2:Creativity and visualdesign may be requiredin minimalist themes.

Disadvantage 3:Code bloat. Whena theme tries to beeverything to allpeople, it canmake for big files!

When to Use a Framework• When you are unfamiliar with PHP• When a solid codebase and security is crucial• When duplicating a current theme with minor changes.

So what makes a goodframework?How it feels or tastes? Best gradient? Blondest hair?

A Good Theme… Respects the Grid Uses Modern Code Easily Remodeled Cares About Usability

Respects the Grid• Consistent spacing• Utilizes a common grid system• Has a clear visual hierarchy

Uses Modern Code• HTML5• CSS3• jQuery• HTML5shiv / modernizr.js

Easily Remodeled• Core functionality• Widgetized areas• Navigation areas• Use the House Hunters approach

Cares About Usability• Phone. Tablet. Laptop. Desktop.• IA-friendly• Those with disabilities in your target audience

Included Frameworks Twenty-Ten Twenty-Eleven

Genesis http://www.studiopress.com/themes/genesis • Many child themes pre-made • Tried and tested by thousands • Standard top-nav Layout

Genesis http://www.studiopress.com/themes/genesisStandard Layout. Easy to customize.

Thematic http://themeshaper.com/thematic/ • Many child themes pre-made • Also tried and tested by thousands • Very changeable layout

Thematic http://themeshaper.com/thematic/Minimalist. Extendable.

Thesis http://diythemes.com/ • Design-forward theme • Optimized for load-times • Awesome typography options

Thesis http://diythemes.com/Powerful. Design-forward.

Stumblr http://www.eleventhemes.com/stumblr-theme/ • Tumblr-style theme • Minimal configuration • Very content-focused

Barebones / Responsive• Skeleton http://demos.simplethemes.com/skeleton/• Starkers (Original) https://github.com/viewportindustries/Starkers (1140px version) http://www.thedotmack.com/2011/07/19/1140-fluid-starkers-wordpress-theme/• Whiteboard http://whiteboardframework.com/• Roots http://www.rootstheme.com/• Bones (Mobile-First) http://themble.com/bones/

[Obligatory Cat Picture]

Wrap Up1. Every user that visits your site has an experience. Make sure it’s a good one.2. Theme frameworks are your quickest ticket to solid backend code and an updatable (aka: more secure) theme.3. Know your content. Know your audience. Determine whether a child theme is the route to take.4. Theme is Grid-minded, Coded modernly, Easily adaptable, Usable.

Thanks!Any Questions? Awesome Image Credits:Ryan Green • Iconfinder.com@ryngrn • iconarchive.comryangreen.info • softicons.com#WCNash2012 • flickr.com • wordpress.com

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Child Theme Frameworks

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