Working with Component Parameters: A Guide for Content Teams

A Site Foundation’s components are sophisticated tools that can present your content in different ways. Each component comes with parameters—thoughtfully designed options that let you control how your content appears and what information is highlighted. Understanding how to work with these parameters helps you communicate more effectively.

Parameters: Your Creative Controls

Think of parameters as creative controls that let you shape how your message reaches your audience. When you're working with a section of your page, you'll see these controls in your content editor. They might let you switch between different layouts, adjust the level of detail shown, or change how information is organized.

For example, when working with a Feature component, you might find a Style parameter that offers choices like "Minimalist List" or "Detailed Cards." Choosing "Minimalist List" creates a clean, scannable list of features with simple icons. Switch to "Detailed Cards," and the same content transforms into rich cards with images and descriptions. The power lies in being able to experiment with these presentations until you find what works best for your message.

The Art of Content Presentation

Your content deserves to be presented in the most effective way possible. Sometimes that means being concise and direct, while other times you need to provide rich detail and visual elements. Parameters make this flexibility possible without requiring you to maintain different versions of your content.

Consider a Team section on your website. Some pages might call for a grid of team members with photos and detailed bios. Other times, you might want a simple list of names and titles. For example, a Site Foundation providing a Team component can handle both scenarios through parameters, letting you choose the right presentation for each context while working with the same underlying content.

Understanding Content Adaptation

One of the most powerful aspects of parameters is how they help your content adapt. When you choose a simpler presentation style, your component intelligently focuses on the most important information. Additional details aren't lost—they're simply reserved for when you choose a more detailed presentation style.

This means you can write your content once, including all the details you might need, and then use parameters to choose how much of that content to present in different contexts. It's like having a conversation where you can naturally adjust how much detail you share based on what's appropriate for the situation.

Working with Presets

While you have fine control over individual parameters, your chosen component also includes presets—carefully designed combinations of parameters that work well together. These presets help you achieve common goals quickly while maintaining professional quality.

For instance, a Feature component might include presets like "Product Highlights" or "Service Overview." Each preset configures multiple parameters to create a cohesive presentation perfect for its purpose. Start with these presets to understand what's possible, then adjust individual parameters as needed.

Making Effective Choices

When working with parameters, start by thinking about your communication goals. What do you want your audience to understand? How much time will they spend with this content? What information is most important?

Let your answers guide your parameter choices. If you need to communicate key points quickly, choose parameters that create more focused, scannable presentations. When your audience needs deeper understanding, use parameters that reveal more detail and context.

Experimenting Confidently

One of the best things about component-level parameters is that they let you experiment safely. Every combination of component parameters has been carefully designed to maintain professional quality. This means you can try different approaches without worrying about breaking your site's design or compromising its consistency.

Don't hesitate to explore different parameter combinations. Preview how your content looks with different settings. Test how it reads on different devices. Your chosen component ensures that everything stays polished and professional while giving you the freedom to find the perfect presentation for your content.

Growing with Your Content

As your content needs evolve, parameters help you adapt. You might start with simpler presentations and gradually reveal more sophistication as your content grows. Or you might switch between different presentation styles seasonally or for special campaigns.

The key is that you're never locked into a single way of presenting your content. Parameters give you the flexibility to evolve your communication while maintaining the professional quality your audience expects.

Making the Most of A Site Foundation

Remember that your chosen Foundation’s components are sophisticated tools created specifically for your needs. Take time to explore the parameters available to you. Try different combinations. See how your content can adapt to different presentations. The more familiar you become with these capabilities, the more effectively you can communicate with your audience.

Parameters aren't just settings—they're your creative toolkit for ensuring your content makes the impact you want. Use them thoughtfully, experiment confidently, and watch your content come alive in new and powerful ways.