Among the latest Drupal innovations, one stands out as especially bold, ambitious, and full of promise: a new version of Drupal designed to bring the power of the platform to non-developers. Known as Drupal CMS — and previously codenamed “Starshot” — it’s earning plenty of well-deserved attention.
Digitizing a print format usually brings new opportunities and challenges. The biggest advantage is greater flexibility. Thanks to digitization, facts & figures can now be continuously updated and distributed more easily. In collaboration with the design agency Usable Brands, we reinterpreted existing visualizations from the print medium for the digital, responsive format. A key challenge here was to generalize possible exceptions and find reusable components that could cover as many cases as possible.
In iterative steps, we supplemented the design process with a digital prototype in order to test and improve the real experience in the digital world.
One challenge was that the final data was not yet available during development. We were able to test the visualizations with test data from previous years, but clarity about the requirements only developed in the course of the project, as the data was delivered and processed.
We paid particular attention to ensuring that the solution could be scaled as data changed and that editors could customize the display of data within the CI/CD framework.
Since both data and the size of users' devices can vary, we developed solutions that optimize the charts for smartphones first, but also for desktop devices. For very small datasets, we do not use labels and only display them when interacted with. Labels for rows appear above the row on mobile devices, while on desktop devices we use the available space and display the row labels directly at the beginning of the row. Particularly long line charts are made accessible on mobile devices by horizontal scrolling, while on desktop devices the chart can be displayed in its entirety. The donut charts benefit from the fact that we scale the labels according to the size of the pie slice – small values are displayed with smaller labels and larger values with larger labels.
You can visit Fakten und Zahlen at the pharmaSuisse website.
Below are some examples of how the facts and figures were visualized:
Donut chart – on healthcare costs
Bar chart – number and type of FPH certificates awarded
Icon chart – cantonal vaccination services in pharmacies
Line chart – the drug price index differs significantly from the indices in other areas
Interactive map – Pharmacy density in relation to dispensing regime
To support design and preparation as efficiently as possible, we have expanded the blökkli editor to include chart functions. First, the data is uploaded in a structured form, e.g. as a CSV file.
In a second step, the editorial team can interactively prepare the structured data in blökkli. The selection of predefined color palettes and sliders for settings help to optimally adjust the positioning and display.
Data entry in blökkli
Adjusting colors in blökkli
Adjusting position and orientation in blökkli
Charts can also be exported as PDF files. Editors can manually set line breaks to optimize the layout of the chart pages.
Setting a page break for the PDF export in blökkli
The interactive charts for pharmaSuisse have been successfully released and are continuously updated. pharmaSuisse benefits in that facts can be sent directly via digital channels and updated regularly. We are currently planning the second iteration: the presentation of facts will be optimized, with a focus on interactions and readability.
Many thanks to pharmaSuisse for their trust and cooperation. Thank you Usable Brands as well as Jan Hug and Jens Vranckz from our team for the implementation! We are delighted to be able to create and further develop an appealing visualization for facts and figures.
Join Mike Miles and Aubrey Sambor as they discuss their experiences with public speaking at tech conferences, including the challenges and joys of presenting technical and big-picture talks. Dive into their personal summer plans, ranging from trips to Cape Cod and Asheville to beer festivals and camping adventures. The conversation also explores recent technology updates, such as Figma's site builder and Apple's new 'Liquid Glass' design, emphasizing the importance of accessibility. Tune in for a casual, insightful chat about professional growth, summer fun, and the ever-evolving tech landscape.
For show notes visit: https://www.talkingDrupal.com/cafe005
Topics Michael MilesMike is passionate about development and working with the latest open source technologies. He has been working in web engineering since 2003, utilizing a number of different technologies, languages and frameworks. He has been working with Drupal since 2008 and is a regular contributor to the community and project. From 2015 to 2024 he was the lead organizer of the Boston Drupal Meetup Group. Since 2017 has been one of the organizers of New England Drupal Camp.
In his day-to-day role as Director of Web Development at MIT Sloan, Mike leads the development, maintenance and growth of the digital properties for the school, as well as, the development team that supports them. He is a public speaker and regularly presents at technical conferences around the world. Since 2013 Mike has presented dozens of talks at many different conferences/camps across the globe.
Aubrey SamborAubrey is a lead front end developer and accessibility advocate with over 19 years of experience in software development and leadership. She specializes in writing modern CSS, semantic HTML, and performant JavaScript and brings almost two decades of experience in web development across higher education, non-profits, and public sector projects.
Aubrey is an active member of the Drupal community, contributing to open source initiatives and speaking at regional and national conferences. She champions accessibility best practices and writes about front end development, music reviews, and knitting projects on her blog, aubreysambor.com.
When she's not coding, Aubrey enjoys running, spinning her own yarn, fountain pens, and exploring local coffee shops and breweries.
Mike Miles - mike-miles.com mikemiles86 Aubrey Sambor - aubreysambor.com starshaped
One of the many benefits of the Tag1 D7ES service is that we notify you of any updates and provide security patches for all contrib and core modules you use - including free compatibility updates for Apache Solr! Apache Solr is a widely-used, open-source search platform that provides indexing, faceted search, and other features above and beyond plain-text string matching. Only version 9.x is currently supported by the community, with previous versions declared end-of-life (EOL) and no longer receiving security support. Two Solr integration modules for Drupal 7 (D7) saw wide usage, Apache Solr Search and Search API Solr. As of Drupal 7 EOL, these modules only supported Solr through version 7.x, meaning the D7 sites that wanted to continue using Solr were forced to use these older, unsupported versions. Hosting providers for D7 sites also needed to maintain outdated infrastructure for their customers. ## Tag1 D7ES updates Solr support Tag1 recently released updates to the Apache Solr Search and Search API Solr modules for all Tag1 D7ES customers, with support for Apache Solr versions 8.x and 9.x. This allows D7 sites to utilize Solr’s major improvements, including * Improved security * Improved stability * Improved scalability * Improved logging...
Hank Thu, 06/26/2025 - 07:23A long while back, security researcher Sam Mortenson reported a cross-site scripting vulnerability in Drupal core's Link module. Essentially, the options property on link fields was not being properly sanitized. This meant cross-site scripting was possible under some circumstances -- and, as always for cross-site scripting, we were concerned that the XSS could be combined with other attacks and escalated to more serious exploits.
DrupalCon has always been a conference by the community, for the community—and as we look ahead to DrupalCon North America 2026 in Chicago, we’re making thoughtful changes to ensure it continues to reflect those values.
After a successful DrupalCon Atlanta, we’ve taken time to reflect, gather feedback, and make updates that prioritize access, sustainability, and community connection. Each of the changes outlined below is rooted in one or more of these values—whether it's improving affordability, building lasting relationships, or creating a more efficient and inclusive event experience. With guidance from the DrupalCon North America Steering Committee, we’re excited to share a refreshed ticket structure, updated volunteer policies, a reimagined Expo Hall, and a renewed focus on summits, trainings, and collaboration.
We’ve simplified and lowered the cost of general admission tickets to make DrupalCon more accessible—without sacrificing the quality of experience our community expects. These changes were driven by feedback from past DrupalCon attendees, the North American Steering Committee, and the community at large, all of whom expressed a strong desire for more affordable access to the event.
Ticket Tier
Atlanta 2025
Chicago 2026
Savings
Early Bird
$890
$575
$315
Regular
$990
$700
$290
Late/Onsite
$1,190
$850
$340
Early Bird registration opens September 15, 2025 and is open for 16 weeks!
Secure your ticket early to lock in the best rate.
For every 5 tickets purchased from a Drupal camp or local association, that community will receive 1 complimentary ticket to share with a deserving community member, with a max of 10 complimentary tickets per local camp or association. It's our way of reinvesting in local leadership and participation.
This change reflects our focus on access and sustainability. In our DrupalCon Atlanta recap blog, we highlighted how streamlined operations improved the event experience for attendees and volunteers alike. Building on that momentum, we recognized the need for clearer guidelines to ensure volunteer opportunities are distributed fairly and effectively.
We’ve updated the volunteer ticket structure to make it more equitable and scalable:
These tickets are non-transferable and may not be combined with other discounts.
Previously, volunteer ticket codes were sometimes misused or distributed without proper oversight. These updated guidelines help preserve full complimentary tickets for those who contribute a significant amount of time and effort, while also creating new opportunities for others to attend at a reduced rate.
Additionally, we’ve streamlined the on-site registration process with self-check-in, reducing the need for a large number of on-site volunteers and allowing us to focus support where it’s most impactful.
Learn more and sign up to volunteer.
Summits are one of DrupalCon’s most valuable opportunities for industry-specific collaboration and knowledge sharing. Designed to connect attendees working in the same verticals, these events offer focused access to speakers with real-world experience, engaging roundtable discussions with peers in similar roles, and meaningful conversations about shared challenges. Attendees walk away with practical takeaways and lasting connections, while participating sponsors have a chance to introduce themselves to leaders in the space in an organic, relevant way.
Taking place Monday, 23 March 2026.
Join peers in:
Each summit features two half-day sessions that do not conflict with the main conference program, creating space for meaningful discussion and idea sharing.
Summit Type
Atlanta 2025
Chicago 2026
Industry Summit
$250
$300
Community Summit
Free
Free for RippleMaker members, $50 for non-member
(Click HERE to become a Ripple Maker)
Lunch is not included with the Community Summit, but a lunch ticket add-on will be available for purchase during registration.
DrupalCon Trainings remain at $500 and offer deep-dive, expert-led learning opportunities on a wide range of Drupal skills.
You’ll notice more networking spaces, and informal meeting zones—especially in the Expo Hall and hallways. We’re doubling down on meaningful, unstructured connections.
These changes are only possible through thoughtful cost management and the continued support of our sponsors. Their partnership helps us keep ticket prices accessible while delivering the high-quality experience the community expects. We’re grateful to those who invest in DrupalCon and help us create an event that welcomes and supports everyone.
The Drupal Association is happy to issue official invitation letters for those requiring a visa.
Request your visa letter here.
Letters are generated automatically—just complete the form and check your email (including spam folders).
Milestone
Date
Program at a Glance Released
6 June 2025
Call for Speakers Opens
21 July 2025
Early Bird Registration Opens
15 September 2025
Call for Speakers Closes
26 September 2025
Grants & Scholarships Applications Open
1 October 2025
Grants & Scholarships Applications Close
31 October 2025
Session Notifications to Speakers
12 November 2025
Grant & Scholarship Recipients Announced
12 November 2025
Regular Registration Opens
5 January 2026
Conference Schedule Available
13 January 2026
Late Registration Opens
23 February 2026
DrupalCon Chicago
23-26 March 2026
Hilton Chicago is DrupalCon’s official headquarters hotel—and it's where the magic happens.
From morning coffee chats to late-night strategy sessions in the lobby, this is where the community connects. Staying on-site helps you maximize your time, make spontaneous connections, and be part of the full experience.
Book your room at the Hilton Chicago.
We’re reimagining our sponsorship offerings to better connect you with the Drupal community—bringing fresh opportunities and updated packages designed for greater visibility, value, and impact.
Want to be the first to know when they go live? Email partnerships@association.drupal.org and we’ll make sure you're on the list.
DrupalCon is more than just a conference—it’s the beating heart of our community. These changes help us keep that heart strong, inclusive, and accessible.
We can’t wait to see you in Chicago, 23-26 March 2026.