Currently, we live in dizzying “times” with a continuous sense of speed. Books, from my point of view, contradict this perception, as they involve long-term work, research, writing, etc.
That’s why I greatly enjoy calmly reading a book, which is (from my perspective) the product of calm and well-researched reflection on any topic.
When I read a book, that sense of urgency disappears, allowing me to enjoy the present moment, absorbed in a topic, and if I’m learning something, all the better.
In this blog, I have talked about many books, and today I want to summarize one very close to our WordPress community in Pontevedra: Xabier Martínez Rolán‘s book: “WordPress Website Design for All Audiences,” published by UOC (2019).
A product of the magic of networking and conversations at WordCamp 2018, the book also features a prologue by Fernando Tellado.
Xabier is a digital communication professor at the University of Vigo. A friend of the Pontevedra community, and soon, a speaker at WordCamp 2019.
His book is an introductory guide to the fundamentals of website design. Highly recommended if you are starting in this world, want to begin publishing, and wish to learn more about the internet, content management systems, etc.
I liked that Xabier starts from the beginning of the internet; he tells us a history of different technologies, file types, and client-server architecture.
He continues his narrative through an extensive chapter on design and the exponential growth of the web. He provides a Netcraft (2018) statistic that I wasn’t aware of and find very interesting:
In 1992, there were 50 websites; by June 2018, an estimated 1.63 billion websites existed.
Xabier Martínez Rolán
The section on information architecture seemed very valuable to me, as Xabier describes all models of web content structures and navigation models.
I liked a visual diagram he created, based on Lynch and Horton’s (1999) proposal, which clearly illustrates existing navigation models and how they can be combined:
In the same chapter, he also covers theoretical explanations of user-oriented usability design. The idea of providing commented bibliography in each chapter is excellent if you wish to delve deeper into each topic.
The programming chapter is a brief introduction to the different languages that are part of web development in WP: HTML, CSS, PHP, JavaScript, so that people understand what each of them entails.
Chapter V is the heart of the book. A section where Xabier breaks down each part of WordPress and explains, point by point, all its features.
From the basics of server installation and domain to the most detailed settings of the WP administrator backend.
He explains the differences between content types (posts, pages, media), the various hierarchies (categories, tags), menus, the old and new editor (Gutenberg), plugins, security, SEO, analytics, backups, themes or templates, etc.
This is a very useful section if you have never worked with WordPress and want to understand each of its parts.
The last two chapters focus on two controversial and very interesting aspects: (1) Visual builders and (2) future trends in web development.
Regarding visual builders, Xabier presents the most important ones today. He openly supports Divi and explains how this famous theme and builder works, detailing all its modules, advantages, and limitations.
On future trends, a brief overview of AMP, chatbots, and adaptive or responsive design.
I agree with Fernando Tellado’s prologue when he states that:
In Xabier’s book, you will find an excellent guide to mastering the tool, WordPress; the path you will then have to walk yourself.
Fernando Tellado in the prologue of Xabier Martínez Rolán’s book
It is an excellent book to get started in this world, enjoy creating your own content, which is the best way to learn, overcome fear of technology, and master it for our own interests.
Creating a book is like having a child; it involves a lot of effort, work, and dedication, so congratulations to Xabier for this work, and we hope to see you very soon at WordCamp. 🙂
