Accessibility, Green Design & WP: A 2025 Roadmap
Explore how emerging trends in accessibility and sustainable design are shaping the future of WordPress, focusing on performance, user experience, and environmental impact.
What’s changing in WordPress
With the advent of Full Site Editing (FSE), WordPress is evolving to offer more flexible and powerful design capabilities. This shift emphasizes performance, Core Web Vitals (CWV), and security, while integrating practical AI and enhancing the editor experience.
Key trends
1) Smarter use of blocks & FSE
- Benefits: Enhanced design flexibility and control.
- Common pitfalls: Over-reliance on complex blocks can slow down sites.
- Mitigations: Use lightweight blocks and optimize for performance.
2) Performance-first builds
- Plugins/techniques: Utilize caching plugins and image optimization tools.
- Measuring & testing: Regularly test using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights.
3) Generative AI with editorial control
- Real use cases: Content generation, image creation, and SEO optimization.
- Risks & safeguards: Ensure quality control and avoid over-dependence on AI.
4) Low-code workflows & automation
- Triggers, actions, CRMs, webhooks: Streamline processes with tools like Uncanny Automator.
Recommended stack (no bloat)
- Builder: Solid block theme + patterns
- Fields: ACF / Meta Box for structured data
- Performance: Caching + image optimization
- Automation: Uncanny Automator / Make
- SEO: Rank Math / Yoast, schema & sitemap
For more details, check out our Performance Guide.
Comparison table
| Tool | What it does | Best for | Pros | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gutenberg | Block editing & FSE | Modern themes | Core, stable | Learning curve |
| ACF | Structured content | Custom data | Flexible | Template work |
| Uncanny Automator | No-code workflows | Process automation | Large ecosystem | Paid tiers |
| Rank Math | On-page SEO | SERP & schema | Clear UI | Needs careful setup |
How to implement
- Define structure and reusable block patterns
- Install only what’s needed (avoid bloat)
- Configure caching, images, and fonts
- Enable schema and review metadata
- Test in staging and measure CWV
FAQs
Do I need a new theme for FSE?
While not mandatory, using a theme designed for FSE can enhance your site’s capabilities and ease of use. Consider themes that are optimized for performance and accessibility.
Does generative AI impact SEO?
AI can aid in content creation but must be used judiciously. Ensure content quality and relevance to maintain SEO rankings. Regularly review AI-generated content for accuracy and alignment with your SEO strategy.
