Conversion Diaries

How to Author Content in AEM for Dynamic SPA Routes Using ResponsiveGrid

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Dorian Regester

Introduction

Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) is a powerful content management system that integrates seamlessly with Single Page Applications (SPAs), allowing for dynamic content management and flexible content authoring. A critical feature for SPAs is the ability to dynamically render content based on URL routes, and AEM’s ResponsiveGrid component is instrumental in making this possible. This guide will walk you through the process of authoring content in AEM for dynamic SPA routes, focusing on how to use the ResponsiveGrid component to manage and preview content efficiently.

Problem Statement or Background

SPAs enhance user experience by providing dynamic and responsive interfaces that update without full-page reloads. However, managing content in SPAs can be challenging, especially when integrating with a content management system like AEM. To ensure that content is both dynamic and editable, developers must configure their SPA to work with AEM’s content authoring features.

One significant challenge is ensuring that content editors can easily update SPA content without needing to touch the underlying code. This requires a well-structured mapping between SPA routes and AEM pages, and a mechanism for editors to modify content directly from within the AEM interface.

Key Concepts or Terminology

  1. ResponsiveGrid Component: A versatile AEM component that allows content to be dynamically arranged in a responsive layout. It provides editable regions where content authors can drag and drop components.
  2. SPA Routes: URL paths in a Single Page Application that correspond to different views or content within the application. For example, /adventure/bali-surf-camp is a route that displays details about Bali Surf Camp.
  3. Page Editor: The AEM interface used by content authors to modify and manage page content. It provides tools to add, remove, and configure components on a page.
  4. Dynamic Content: Content that changes based on the context of the SPA route. This means that different routes can display different content, which needs to be managed and updated in AEM.

Detailed Explanation

In this guide, we will focus on authoring content for SPA routes using AEM’s ResponsiveGrid component. We will cover the steps to log in to AEM, navigate to the relevant pages, and use the Page Editor to make changes. We will also discuss how to preview these changes in the SPA and handle routes that do not have corresponding AEM pages.

Understanding the Workflow

To enable effective content authoring in AEM for your SPA:

  1. Integrate the ResponsiveGrid Component: Ensure that your SPA’s route components are set up with ResponsiveGrid to allow for editable content areas.
  2. Map SPA Routes to AEM Pages: Each SPA route should correspond to a specific AEM page where the content can be managed.
  3. Use the Page Editor: The Page Editor in AEM provides a user-friendly interface for content authors to make changes to the content displayed in the SPA.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Log in to AEM Author:
    • Open your web browser and navigate to the AEM Author instance.
    • Log in with your credentials to access the AEM authoring interface.
  2. Navigate to the WKND App Home Page:
    • In AEM, go to Sites > WKND App > us > en.
    • Locate the WKND App Home Page, which serves as the root page for your SPA.
  3. Edit the WKND App Home Page:
    • Click on the WKND App Home Page to open it.
    • Select “Edit” to enter the Page Editor mode.
  4. Navigate to the Bali Surf Camp Route in the SPA:
    • In the SPA running locally, open the route for Bali Surf Camp (e.g., http://localhost:3000/adventure/bali-surf-camp).
    • Use the mode-selector in the top-right corner of the SPA to switch to preview mode.
  5. Switch to Edit Mode:
    • In the SPA, switch from preview to edit mode by selecting “Edit” from the mode-selector.
  6. Locate the Layout Container:
    • Find the editable area in the Page Editor right above the Itinerary section.
    • This container is where you will add and arrange components.
  7. Open the Components View:
    • In the Page Editor’s sidebar, select the Components view.
    • This view lists all available components that you can drag into the Layout Container.
  8. Add Components:
    • Drag components such as Image, Text, and Title into the Layout Container.
    • Arrange these components to create promotional marketing material for the Bali Surf Camp route.
  9. Preview Your Changes:
    • After adding and configuring the components, preview the changes by refreshing the WKND App running locally.
    • Navigate to the Bali Surf Camp route to see the updated content and layout.

Best Practices or Tips

  1. Consistent Component Usage: Use consistent components across different routes to maintain a uniform look and feel throughout your SPA.
  2. Regular Previews: Frequently preview changes in AEM and in the SPA to ensure that updates are rendered correctly and match the intended design.
  3. Organize Components: Keep your components organized within the Layout Container to facilitate easy updates and modifications.
  4. Validate Mapping: Ensure that SPA routes correctly map to their corresponding AEM pages to avoid content mismatches and authoring issues.

Case Studies or Examples

Case Study 1: Bali Surf Camp

In a recent project, a travel SPA utilized AEM to manage content for various adventure routes. For the Bali Surf Camp route, the content author used the ResponsiveGrid component to create and arrange promotional content, including images and text, directly within the AEM Page Editor. This setup allowed for quick updates and ensured that the SPA displayed the most current information.

Case Study 2: Beervana in Portland

For a local brewery’s SPA, the team set up dynamic routes and utilized AEM’s content authoring features to manage event details and promotional content. By using the ResponsiveGrid component, content authors could easily update information and ensure that the SPA accurately reflected the latest details about events and offerings.

Troubleshooting and FAQ

  1. SPA Route Not Displaying AEM Content:
    • Verify that the SPA route is correctly mapped to an AEM page. Ensure that the pagePath in the ResponsiveGrid component matches the AEM page URL.
  2. Editable Components Not Appearing:
    • Check if the ResponsiveGrid component is correctly configured and that the Layout Container is set up for editing. Ensure that the components are enabled for use in the AEM Page Editor.
  3. Content Changes Not Reflecting in SPA:
    • Confirm that changes have been published in AEM. Check for any caching issues or delays in content propagation.

Conclusion

Authoring content for SPAs using AEM’s ResponsiveGrid component provides a powerful way to manage dynamic content efficiently. By following the outlined steps, developers and content authors can ensure that SPA routes are properly mapped to AEM pages, allowing for seamless content updates and a streamlined authoring process. Proper configuration and regular testing will help maintain a consistent and engaging user experience across your SPA, enhancing both the functionality and manageability of your web application.

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