Continuing from the previous roadmap updates, Store Editing is the team within WooCommerce that works on bringing the no-code, blocks-based approach to the world of e-commerce.
We gave overviews of our roadmap previously (e.g., here, and here, and here). Today it’s time for an updated look at what we’ve been working on!
A few reminders:
- The GitHub discussions feature in the WooCommerce Blocks repository collects ideas, feature requests, feedback, and general Q&A around extensibility and customizations. We’ve recently also started using this to highlight topics specific to WooCommerce and site editing.
- We’re also collecting feedback and ideas through this form that doesn’t require any login if you’d prefer to use it instead.
- This roadmap is not exhaustive and in most places not detailed. Along with actually building the things mentioned here, we’re also involved in design explorations, user research and collaborating with the Gutenberg project.
Note: these roadmaps are intended to give directional updates without being precise about delivery dates. Plans can and do change. I’m following the Now, Next, Later format for these updates.
Now
Product Query Block
The Product Query Block (we may be changing the name) is an easy way to display a collection of products returned by a configurable query. See it in action in the video below.
This important block continues to receive significant focus as it will power a number of other planned improvements in our roadmap. With an early decision to have the Product Query block be a variation of the WordPress Query Loop block, our work has already contributed to a number of improvements to the Query Loop block that will be shipped in WordPress 6.1.
We’re currently focusing on migrating existing product archive type product blocks to be powered by the new product query block which will provide solutions for a number of long-standing requests for these blocks including pagination, more control over layout and increased extensibility.
Blockifying Product Archive Templates
Powered by the Product Query block, this will allow for a wide variety of layout options for customizing a store plus the ability to do this at the block level as needed.
Patterns
Patterns are one of the most important entry points for merchants customizing their stores, so this is something we are also currently focusing on. We’ll be shipping patterns for both product grid/list and single product views.
NEXT
Blockifying Single Product Templates
Work on blockifying the single product template will include ensuring there are the needed element blocks (Add to Cart, Product Image Gallery, and others).
Various Block Improvements
We also have a number of improvements to existing blocks lined up that come from the feedback we’ve been getting as they get used in the wild. The following blocks will be getting additional work:
- Mini Cart
- Product Search
- My Account
LATER
Category Grid / List Block
A common request we’ve seen is for a block that allows for creating various layouts for product categories. We will likely be looking into powering this with patterns as well.
Blockifying Product Type Templates
This might be initially explored during our work in blockifying the single product template. The UX flow might be simpler for editors when they can refine the layouts for specific product types (variable products, subscriptions, and so on).
Reviews Element Block
Reviews tend to be one of the important factors used when choosing products to purchase. We want to make sure the Reviews Block provides the flexibility merchants need to offer a great review experience to their shoppers.
And that’s it for this roadmap! Stay tuned for the next update — and if you have any questions, please reach out here in the comments or in any of the other places mentioned earlier in this post.
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