Title: Renaming the Command Center to Command Palette: A Clear and Global Approach
Introduction:
Last week, the Gutenberg contributors engaged in a lively debate over the proposed renaming of the new Command Center feature in WordPress 6.3. The majority of participants were against the proposed name “Wayfinder,” citing difficulties in translation and understanding. After consulting project leadership and considering feedback, the decision was made to rename it “Command Palette.” This article explores the reasoning behind this decision and highlights the benefits of choosing a clear and globally accessible name.
The Debate Over “Wayfinder”:
The proposal to rename the Command Center to “Wayfinder” was met with resistance from the majority of contributors. While it was suggested that the name could evoke curiosity, exploration, and discovery, it was deemed unsuitable due to translation challenges and a lack of clarity regarding its purpose. Despite attempts to find alternative names, it became evident that “Wayfinder” was not favored by the community.
The Decision for “Command Palette”:
Contributor Anne McCarthy, sponsored by Automattic, provided insight into the decision-making process. After consulting project leadership and considering feedback, it was decided that “Command Palette” would be a more appropriate name. The reasoning behind this choice includes:
1. Easier Translation: “Command Palette” is easier to translate into different languages, ensuring global accessibility and understanding.
2. Consistency Across Tooling: The name “Command Palette” aligns with similar features found outside of WordPress, promoting consistency in terminology.
3. Matches Current Functionality: The new name accurately reflects the feature’s purpose as an extensible quick search and command execution tool.
4. Eases Discoverability and Understanding: By using a generic name like “Command Palette,” users can quickly grasp its value and functionality.
5. Potential for Future Evolution: If the feature evolves beyond its current state, a unique name can be considered in the future, creating a marketing opportunity.
Updating the Interface:
Anne McCarthy emphasized the importance of updating the interface with the new name throughout the upcoming release. This ensures consistency and clarity for users encountering the Command Palette in blog posts, the 6.3 About page, and various third-party resources.
The Significance of the Decision:
The decision to rename the Command Center to Command Palette was crucial, especially with WordPress 6.3 Beta 1 on the horizon. The feature will be extensively discussed and referenced, making a clear and easily understandable name essential. By opting for a straightforward name, the team demonstrated their commitment to inclusivity and global accessibility.
Embracing Clarity and Global Community Buy-In:
Choosing a name that is easy to understand and translate is particularly significant for WordPress, as 52% of its users operate the software in languages other than English. The Command Palette’s API is now public, allowing developers to create custom commands. By using clear language, the team ensures that the feature will be embraced by a broader global community.
Conclusion:
The decision to rename the Command Center to Command Palette reflects the consensus among Gutenberg contributors. By prioritizing clarity, ease of translation, and global accessibility, the team has made a significant step towards fostering inclusivity within the WordPress community. The Command Palette’s introduction in WordPress 6.3 will be accompanied by updated interfaces and resources, ensuring a seamless user experience. As WordPress continues to evolve, this decision sets a precedent for prioritizing clear language and global community buy-in.
