A 'front-end framework' for designers?

[Darren Hoyt]

Hi guys,
I have a potential product in mind that I'd like to run by the tavern thinktank.

As opposed to hardcore developer frameworks (Thematic, Hybrid) with tons of custom functions, this idea would be geared more toward front-end people like myself who need to rapidly mock up and build client sites.

It's a baseline theme (codenamed "Gravy") which I've used for tons of WP projects over the years. It contains some Mimbo features and useful custom stuff, yet is basically just the essentials, neatly organized and commented. I also have a set of PSD files with nested layers that match the class names and markup structure of the theme, all based around a 12-column 960px grid that matches the guides:






Here is the live demo


On a personal level, the combination of the theme and PSDs has sped up my design/build process tremendously. I never do a WP project without it. Because of the consistent CSS/PSD layer naming scheme, it's also made it much easier to pass work back and forth among other designers. I also have pre-cropped PSDs for standard images like the magnifying glass, RSS icon, comments icon and so forth.

I'm thinking of bundling all this together, writing some tutorials, offering support (mostly for CSS and layout mods) and including a child theme or two to add value. I'd keep the price fairly low and continue offering free upgrades and fixes as needed.

Code-wise, it's not nearly as ambitious as, say, Thematic, but that's not really the purpose. I guess it kind of blurs the line between baseline theme and framework, and that's part of why I'm conflicted about how to sell it or how to price it. I would definitely not offer a product on my own site that I didn't think was valuable to designers. But I also don't want anyone confused as to why this would cost $10(-ish) whereas Hybrid or Thematic are free.

I guess the trick is informing users that Gravy is geared toward a different audience and a different philosophy. It's handy for building small-business sites that probably will not be upgrading Gravy regularly -- designers would use it to rapidly build a client site and then be done with it, unlike Thematic where it's likely that as a 'parent theme' it will continue being updated.

Anyway, I know the overall package has value, I'm not just the world's best marketing-minded person to express it. I also realize there are probably some contradictions here, as the idea is not fully fleshed out, but any feedback is definitely appreciated.

[Brad]

Darren,

You do really clean work and I know I would be interested in it. Would this be a commercial product with a GPL license?

[Darren Hoyt]

Thanks a lot Brad. Yep, it'd be released under GPL.

[JohnM]

I believe in this concept, and have always wondered why fremework authors didnt put more empasis on the front-end developing workflow and css/graphic packs/services.

To justify the price the concept must bring real value to customers and it all comes down to the quality of the psd, tutorials and support. The theme itself will be GPL under any circumstances, but that wont apply to the psd and documentation.

I would bring superfish css templates into the concept too.

Bring it on, I will buy one for sure.

[andrea_r]

Heck yeah, I'd be all over it.

[AlexDenning]

And I'll join the queue too. Looks pretty neat and fits the loophole of Thematic and Hybrid not being too great for quick mockups. Do keep us all posted.

[Jeffro]

I'm not a designer but I put this link out on Twitter and it seemed to be received pretty well.

So in that screenshot, is that an entire theme packaged in Photoshop?

[DannyGSmith]

I would love to see it. Sign me up!

[ryanimel]

I think it's a great idea, Darren. Like you said, it's for a specific sort of developer.

It will work for those that are building themes a certain way. Building off of frameworks, probably not interested. But building something that will stand on its own, probably interested.

The killer here is how you have the folder groups matching the div classes/IDs. That will help tons of people bridge the gap between the design and the CSS. My prediction, anyway.

I'd definitely be interested in kicking the tires, posting about it, etc. Keep us udpated.

[JohnM]

Is it possible to script PS to do all the slicing, optimizing an saving in correct folders automatically and is actions or scripts included ?