I’m leading the design and development of the new Newspack Block Theme, a modern, flexible WordPress theme built to replace Newspack Classic Theme(s) and take full advantage of the Block Editor (Gutenberg).
Inspired by modern news publications and grounded in our Design System, the theme is designed to give publishers more control while ensuring a contemporary, consistent look.
Design & development
Created the full visual direction and foundation for the theme, with development to be expanded by our wider team.
Typography & layout
Uses Inter with fluid font sizing and a content width of 632px for optimal readability. Ad unit sizes are carefully considered across devices, with responsive placements that adapt from desktop sidebars to mobile banners.
Flexibility
Built with multiple patterns, templates, and style options, allowing publishers to customise their sites without relying on custom code.
Design System integration
Fully aligned with our system of colours, typography, and spacing, while remaining easily adaptable to publishers’ branding.
Modern news features
Includes details like a togglable comments sidebar, taking inspiration from leading digital publications.
Although still in progress, the Block Theme is already powering Newspack.com, Newspack’s Brand Hub and Sales Hub, and even this website!
