Vetting Drupal product ideas

Agree on why and what before figuring out the how

iterate on the idea before implementation

We’ve made big strides since Drupalcon New Orleans in how we add new features to Drupal core. The concept of experimental modules has already helped us introduce features like a new way to add blocks to a page, content moderation and workflow tools and a whole new approach for editing all the things on a page while staying at that page.

In New Orleans we started to define the process for making these kinds of big changes. Probably the most important and defining aspect of it is that we’re (finally!) enabling a clearer separation between vetting ideas first, implementation second.

True to form we specified and detailed the latter part first :-)

So, on to that first part, vetting Drupal product ideas. In my core conversation I outlined the need for making bigger UX changes, faster and suggested possible approaches for how to design and develop those, borrowing heavily from the Lean UX method

Since then, we’ve been reminded that we really do need a clearly defined space to discuss the strategic value of proposed new features. A place to decide if a given idea is desirable and viable as an addition to core.

The point being: core product manager with help from Drupal UX team members wrote up a proposal for how to propose core product ideas and what’s needed to turn a good idea into an actionable plan.

It needs your feedback. Please read and share your thoughts.