For this article, we enlisted front end developer, Abby Milberg, to give us a little inspiration for Drupal 8 theme building. Abby is the expert here, so I'll let her take it away.
A preprocess function creates or modifies variables and render arrays (arrays of data structured in specific ways that Drupal knows how to render as HTML) before they’re rendered and/or passed to a template.
One of our recent projects required a progressive enhancement approach for visual changes. Instead of a full end-to-end rebuild of a Drupal theme, a progressive approach can be accomplished with theme switching. Many Drupal 8 projects leverage custom block types, Paragraphs, or Layout Builder to place one or more design components on a page. This provided the client with the ability to split up a larger architectural change into a small set of pages and components that can be gradually rolled out.
UCSF's PleasePrEPMe.org site is a searchable, location-responsive PrEP provider directory for California. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention strategy available by prescription. The PleasePrEPMe team chose Hook 42 to migrate their website from Angular to Drupal 8 with a React front-end for their interactive map.
Maintain Existing Design, Responsive Layout, Interactive, User-Friendly, Accessibility
Custom Data Structure Migration, Enable New Content Structures, Form Redesign, Time-Challenged, Budget Constrained, Improve SEO, Improve Device Support
Custom Angular DB to Drupal 8 migration, Decoupled React.js Front-End Google Maps Integration, Custom Automated Provider Feed Import, Large Amount of Mapping Data, Content Editor Tools, Content Workflow, 3rd Party Chat Integration (SnapEngage)
PleasePrEPMe is a website to promote the education of and provider access to the HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The website provides national and state-based PrEP resources for the public, press, and other medical providers. PrEP selected Hook 42 for a new site rebuild and migration for their custom Angular site to an SEO, content editor friendly Drupal 8 migration project.
We audited their custom Angular / MySQL site implementation and estimated the effort to migrate it to Drupal 8. We provided a scalable content strategy, Drupal 8 architecture and implementation, custom feed creation, a progressively decoupled React / Drupal / Google Maps integration, and backend and frontend development. Hook 42 performed manual content migration, developed automated content migrations, and ran device and browser testing of the systems. The team ran SEO and accessibility health checks, Drupal 8 migration scripts, and ran the launch support process for site cutover.
We continued to work with the PrEP team by providing training to their internal staff, ongoing Drupal 8 development maintenance and support, and feature enhancements.
It’s that time again, another DrupalCon is fast approaching and our team couldn’t be more excited for this year’s Seattle event. We’ve got a lot in store for you this year, from presentations, BOFs, sponsorships, partnership collaborations, and using our listening ears. You’ll find our team distributed all about.
We’re bringing a stacked line-up of knowledge and experiences to drop on 'ya this year. Not only that, we’re looking forward to hearing all the ups and downs you’ve had this past year, and how we’re all growing together within the Drupal community.
Let’s get to sharing!
Now that I’ve settled back down in Alaska after a fun trip to Berkeley for BADCamp, I’m finally digesting all of the info I gathered throughout the week. As always, it was cool to look over the schedule and see what topics were getting a lot of attention; and, without a doubt, it seemed like GatsbyJS was the hot-ticket item this year. So here’s a primer on what GatsbyJS is and why the Drupal community seems so head-over-heels for this up and coming site generator.
Andrew Dunkle is the CTO of Go Overseas. Go Overseas is a platform that strives to help people find meaningful travel experiences abroad. They often describe themselves as the Yelp or Airbnb of study abroad programs. Volunteers, recent high school graduates, or anyone who is looking to travel in a more impactful way can use the site to find opportunities. Andrew and his business partner, Mitch, co-founded the company in 2008, while teaching together in Taiwan. They recognized the need for a platform to provide information and encouragement about taking the opportunity to go overseas and give back at the same time.
Jill Cohen is a Senior Software Application Engineer at Autodesk Inc. Autodesk is a global company that empowers users to design and create just about everything on this planet - and in virtual worlds. She works with the Digital Platform and Experience Organization on the Digital Help team, which manages the Autodesk Knowledge Network and Services Marketplace. She is also on the board for Autodesk Women in Leadership.
Dust off your saddle and get prepared to optimize your workflow. There is a lot packed into 3 days in Austin. Pull on your chaps, fasten your leathers, dig in your spurs and head on over to Texas Drupal Camp. On Thursday, make sure you check out the trainings and sprints. On Friday and Saturday, catch all of the keynotes and sessions.
Our own Ryan Bateman will be at Texas Drupal Camp to share his presentation about visual regression testing.
Texas Drupal Camp is Thursday, May 31st through Saturday, June 2nd at the Norris Conference Center in beautiful Austin, TX.
