The first time I heard from Matt about WordPress 2.7’s new interface in WordCamp Philippines, I was excited to see some new UI elements and concepts taking a more prominent role in the whole application. After all, blogs and web applications were supposed to be way ahead in adopting new approaches in designs and interfaces.
I waited for the trunk to finally hit 2.7 beta since I wasn’t into playing with nightly builds posting lorem ipsum entries on a non–public test blog. I wanted to use it in a real blog, with real content and data, used the way I would typically use WordPress. When I read about the availability of 2.7 Beta 1, I grabbed and installed it here on rebelpixel.com and my mobile devices blog.
I was initially unimpressed with the new sidebar–based navigation. After all, we’ve only had a top menu since the early days of WordPress. After a few minutes of tinkering, I realized the sidebar menu was actually collapsible to a narrow strip of icons, letting me focus on the task at hand. I was even surprised to discover that the icons were actually hover menus that made everything a lot easier to access.
Collapsible widgets are now back in the write screen; but what’s even cooler is that you can pick which widgets to display or hide, giving you a streamlined write interface that lets simply you get the work done. Media handling is now much better too; finally I’m using the built–in media manager instead of some dated old plugin to insert photos in my entries. It wins huge points from me as I use images in my entries more often than not.
WordPress 2.7 is looking good right now even in beta form. I can’t wait for the final release.
I’m just a little worried that some of my important plugins will break. What about the comments.php? I’ve read somewhere that if you’ve customized your theme, you need to do some hacking in the comments.php.
By the way, I think I liked your former design better. 😀
@deuts I have several plugins and none caused any problems at all. Some tagging plugins might fail but they’re not needed since their functionality is now incorporated in this version.
A lot of people like the older design too, but for now the current one should suffice. 😉
i liked the old design too, but I’m getting used to this new one. Less distractions on the side (though I feel that there’s so much negative space 😉 )
commenting on the wrong entry again :p
WordPress 2.7 is bringing a new visual design. This design is almost completely implemented, but there are still a few areas that aren’t quite finished in Beta 1.
Check here to know more about the Latest WordPress Beta 2.7
http://www.iwebie.com/wordpress-beta-release
@hana Negative space works. 😉