I came across an interesting collection of opinions on the Future of WordPress themes (2009) from some of the leading theme designers in the WordPress ecosphere. There are some interesting ideas in there including:
- I’m guessing by the end of 2009 the WordPress core itself will resemble a true CMS more closely. As CMS-like functions are added to the core, themers will incorporate them in creative ways, and the face of themes will begin to change. (Darren Hoyt)
- WordPress 2.8, due out within a couple of months, will undoubtedly contain a feature set not unlike the current “automatic plugin update” feature, but for themes. Users will be able to upgrade their themes automatically from their dashboard, assuming their theme is hosted on WordPress.org Extend. (Nathan Rice)
- Another trend I’m subscribing to in 2009 is the year of the theme framework. We have quite a few theme frameworks already in action and throughout 2009, I feel a few more will come online. However, educating end users about theme frameworks, child themes, CSS, should be a top priority or else this child theme concept will never lift high off the ground. (Jeff Chandler)
It seems like this opinion piece is put together ever year. It will be interesting to see what the field will look like next year. WordPress themeing is moving along faster than the safety equipment market.
