Objective

To discover and evaluate plugins for use in WordPress projects.

1. Define Objectives

  • Identify the problem where the plugin is meant to solve it.
  • Clarify the purpose, whether it’s:
    • Introducing a new plugin.
    • Enhancing existing functionality.
  • Outline the target audience and their specific needs.

2. Conduct Market Research

  • Search for similar plugins in the market.
  • Analyze the features, pricing, and user reviews of competitors’ plugins.
  • Identify gaps in current solutions.
  • Comparison between the feature and plugin available in the market.

3. Outline our Requirements

  • Prepare a detailed document with:
    • Core Features: Essential functionalities the plugin must have.
    • Optional Features: Additional features that can add value.
    • Compatibility Requirements: WordPress version, PHP version, themes, and third-party integrations.
    • User Experience (UX): Ease of use, setup, and customization.

4. Check Technical Feasibility

  • Confirm compatibility with existing setups, such as themes, other plugins, and server environments.
  • Assess potential challenges like class name conflicts, database structures, or dependency issues.

5. Prototyping and Design

  • Create a wireframe or flowchart illustrating:
    • User workflows.
    • Admin settings.
    • Front-end and back-end behavior.

6. Testing Scope

  • Define test cases, including:
    • Functional testing.
    • Cross-browser compatibility.
    • Performance under load.
    • Conflict checks with other plugins.

7. Development Plan

  • For new plugins:
    • Choose a suitable framework or development approach.
    • Identify the database schema (if needed).
    • Ensure compliance with WordPress coding standards.
  • For existing plugins:
    • Plan for integration with current functionalities.
    • Avoid breaking existing workflows.

8. Documenting and Publishing

  • Prepare comprehensive documentation including:
    • Installation and setup guides.
    • FAQs and troubleshooting steps.
    • Features and functionalities overview.
  • Finalize plugin details for publishing:
    • Name and description.
    • Tags and categories.
    • Minimum requirements and tested versions.

9. Continuous Monitoring

  • Track plugin performance post-deployment.
  • Gather user feedback for iterative improvements.
  • Plan regular updates for compatibility with WordPress core updates and PHP versions.

Tips

  • Always backup your site before installing a new plugin.
  • Regularly update plugins to maintain security and compatibility.
  • Disable and delete plugins that are not in use to keep your site optimized.

Discovery Checklist

New Plugin Checklist

  • Requirement defined and approved.
  • Market and competition research completed.
  • Feasibility and scope validated.
  • MVP features and roadmap identified.
  • Plugin developed, tested, and documented.
  • Prepare for a Plan of monitoring and support.

Existing Plugin Evaluation

  • Features reviewed for redundancy and utility.
  • Compatibility tested with WordPress core, themes, and plugins.
  • Performance benchmarking conducted.
  • UX improvements identified and implemented.
  • Documentation updated for users and developers.
  • Feedback loop created for continuous improvement.