Insights from DrupalCon 2023

Drupal, the open-source content management system (CMS) that powers Georgia’s GovHub websites is a popular choice among developers because of its flexibility, scalability, and ease of use. DrupalCon is the annual conference for Drupal experts, enthusiasts, and professionals from around the world to exchange knowledge, share insights, and discuss the latest advancements in the Drupal ecosystem. This year UI Lead Rachel Hart and former Product Manager Jasmyne Epps spoke at the event in Pittsburgh on Drupal development best practices.

Contributed Modules and Integrated AI

A highlight was the keynote talk by Drupal's inventor, Dries Buytaert, who provided insights into the platform's open-source contributions and future plans. Notably, he discussed the collaborative nature of Drupal and revealed that the system now has an astounding 50,000 contributed modules and counting. GTA’s GovHub developers have written and continue to maintain several Drupal modules, in addition to earning 93 credits for ongoing work to improve specific platform issues.

One of the hottest topics at the conference was the integration of AI into the content editing experience. The potential exists for using AI, particularly ChatGPT, to automate content creation. However, they agreed that while AI could be beneficial in some respects, it might not be the best fit for GovHub at this time, given the need for specific and tailored content for each agency. AI technology is advancing quickly, and users are clamoring for solutions, so we expect much more discussion on this topic.

UX and Design Systems

Rachel delved into her areas of interest, which revolved around user experience (UX) and design systems. She highlighted the importance of understanding users' needs and goals, focusing on what's essential for them and how design can enhance their experience. She also mentioned research into the editor experience in GovHub, aiming to ensure content managers can create and manage content easily and efficiently. This is work that Rachel and the team already have been doing. Therefore, what she heard at DrupalCon – and the insights she gained during the event – confirmed that she and the team are on the right path and gave her new ideas to consider for further enhancing the GovHub user experience.

Currently, the Orchard Design System is at the center of her work, with version 2.0 set to release later this year. Attending DrupalCon gave Rachel an opportunity to explore and witness how other teams approach design systems. She came away with some valuable insights and discovered new tools that she may be able to apply in further enhancing GovHub’s design system for Georgia's digital landscape.

Rethinking User Research

Rachel also shared insights from a talk titled "Death to Personas," which challenged traditional approaches to using personas in UX. The focus shifted toward understanding users' tasks and goals rather than solely relying on demographic personas. This approach aligns with the evolving landscape of technology and user behavior.

Emphasizing Inclusion 

Jasmyne attended talks about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), reflecting on the significance of creating an inclusive culture within organizations. She mentioned how the Drupal community is working toward fostering a welcoming environment for all members, ensuring diverse perspectives are valued and represented.

Both Jasmyne and Rachel discussed the profound impact technology can have when it comes to shaping our perceptions. The conversation then shifted to the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in tech conferences and organizations as well as the need for representation and the welcoming of minority groups.

Community of Doers

By sharing their experiences, engaging with other professionals, and contributing to the Drupal community, GTA has gained recognition and authority in the Drupal space. By actively participating in the Drupal community, GTA is not only sharing its expertise but also shaping the future of web development and inclusive technology.