Getting Creative with Atomic Blocks and the Interactivity API
featuring Seth Rubenstein
Part two of our Interactivity API deep dive — this time exploring the atomic blocks concept and creative use cases.
This is the second conversation with Seth Rubenstein about the WordPress Interactivity API, and we went deeper into the atomic blocks concept.
What Are Atomic Blocks?
Think of atomic design: atoms, molecules, organisms. The idea is building blocks that are small, composable, and reusable. Each block does one thing well, and you combine them to create complex interfaces.
With the Interactivity API, these atomic blocks can share state and communicate with each other. A filter block can talk to a results block. A search block can trigger updates in a list block. All without custom JavaScript frameworks on the frontend.
Why This Approach Wins
The traditional WordPress approach was monolithic — one big block that does everything. The atomic approach means you build once, use everywhere. Change the filter logic in one place, it updates across every page that uses it.
For agencies and developers building client sites, this dramatically reduces maintenance overhead. And for clients, it means faster sites that are easier to update.
Creative Use Cases
Seth showed some fascinating examples from his work — interactive data explorers, faceted search interfaces, dynamic content feeds. All built with native WordPress blocks, all fast, all maintainable.
Watch the full episode for the technical details and live demos.