Zoomed out view: Show pattern category in the Block Toolbar

[gigitux]

With the Full Composability Project in WooCommerce (woocommerce/woocommerce#47459), we are leveraging a dedicated instance of Gutenberg to create a tool that provides users with the flexibility to design their own homepage. This tool allows users to add, remove, shuffle, and rearrange patterns with ease.

As part of this initiative, we are planning to display the name of each pattern in the Block Toolbar (woocommerce/woocommerce#47454).

Proposal

We propose enhancing the Block Toolbar in the Site Editor by displaying the category of each pattern, in addition. This feature could offer users additional context and make it easier to find and organize patterns based on their categories.

Considerations

One potential challenge is that a single pattern can belong to multiple categories. To implement this feature effectively, we need to determine the best way to handle and display multiple categories within the Block Toolbar.

Discussion Points

• Does displaying pattern categories in the Block Toolbar add value for users in the Site Editor?
• If we proceed with this feature, what is the optimal way to display multiple categories for a single pattern?

It could be part of #50739

[richtabor]

What's the value of having the pattern category in the block toolbar?

One potential challenge is that a single pattern can belong to multiple categories. To implement this feature effectively, we need to determine the best way to handle and display multiple categories within the Block Toolbar.

I believe the shuffle functionality has been modified to use the inserted pattern category, which I'd consider the category that could be used here (if we implement this).

[verofasulo]

What's the value of having the pattern category in the block toolbar?

While the Delete and Move up/down icons are common and easily recognizable, the Shuffle icon is not as intuitive. Without making it explicit, users may not understand that this icon will shuffle patterns within a certain category. This is the same design used in the Dotcom assembler—Do you have any concerns?

[richtabor]

the Shuffle icon is not as intuitive.

I agree. But I'm more confident that when you interact with it once, you are likely to understand what it is for. I get that a pattern category adds a bit more context before you interact with it, but I don't know the best way to render it—other than a tooltip for the shuffle icon perhaps.

Ideas there?