Key insights

• Viva Connections FAQ Card: Learn how to create an FAQ card using React in QuickView for Viva Connections. This interactive accordion experience is ideal for intranet support content.


• Prerequisites: Ensure your environment is set up with SPFx Yeoman generator, Node.js, Gulp, and Visual Studio Code. Familiarity with Adaptive Card Extensions (ACE) and React framework is necessary.


• Create Adaptive Card Extension: Use the command yo @microsoft/sharepoint to scaffold a new SPFx ACE project. Choose Adaptive Card Extension and React as the framework.


• Define FAQ Data Model: Structure your FAQs in the src/adaptiveCardExtensions// folder with a data model like IFaqItem containing questions and answers.


• React QuickView Integration: Build a custom Quick View using React to display FAQs interactively. Create JSON templates for adaptive cards to render FAQ content dynamically.


• Test and Style: Run gulp serve to test on the Workbench. Style using CSS or Fluent UI, and add dynamic data fetching if needed.

Building a Viva Connections FAQ Card with React QuickView: A Comprehensive Guide

Microsoft has recently released a detailed tutorial on creating a Viva Connections FAQ card using React in QuickView. This instructional video, part of the Viva Connections and SharePoint Framework community call from October 17, 2024, provides step-by-step guidance on building an interactive accordion FAQ experience. This feature is ideal for adding dynamic support content within your intranet. In this article, we will explore the process of building this FAQ card, discuss the tradeoffs involved, and delve into the challenges associated with different approaches.

Understanding the Viva Connections FAQ Card

The Viva Connections FAQ card is a component of a SharePoint Framework (SPFx) Adaptive Card Extension (ACE) project. It offers users a compact, interactive format for accessing frequently asked questions. This card is designed to enhance user experience by providing quick and easy access to essential information.

To create this FAQ card, several prerequisites must be met. First, you need to set up your development environment by installing the SPFx Yeoman generator, Node.js, Gulp, and Visual Studio Code. Additionally, familiarity with Adaptive Card Extensions (ACE) and the React framework is essential.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building the FAQ Card

Creating an Adaptive Card Extension

The first step in building the FAQ card is to create an Adaptive Card Extension. This involves running a command in the terminal to scaffold a new SPFx ACE project. During this process, select the Adaptive Card Extension option and provide a project name. Choose React as the framework to leverage its capabilities for building dynamic interfaces.

Defining the FAQ Data Model

Next, define a data structure for your FAQs within the project's source folder. This involves creating an interface that outlines the structure of each FAQ item, including the question and answer. By organizing the data in this way, you ensure that the FAQ card can efficiently display the information to users.

Modifying the CardView

After defining the data model, update the CardView to display a summary of the FAQs. This involves importing necessary components and configuring the card to trigger a QuickView when selected. The QuickView provides a more detailed view of the FAQs, enhancing the user's ability to find the information they need.

Building the React QuickView

The React QuickView is a crucial component of the FAQ card, offering interactivity and a detailed display of the FAQs. Create a new QuickView class in the ACE folder and define the data it will use. Additionally, create a JSON template for the adaptive card, specifying how the FAQs will be presented. This template ensures that the QuickView is both functional and visually appealing.

Testing and Enhancing the FAQ Card

Connecting QuickView to CardView

Once the QuickView is built, connect it to the CardView by updating the onInit method of the ACE's AdaptiveCardExtension class. This registration process ensures that the QuickView is accessible from the CardView, allowing users to seamlessly transition between the two views.

Testing the Card

With the FAQ card fully configured, it's time to test it. Run the development server using Gulp and open the workbench to view the card in action. Test the FAQ card to ensure that the QuickView displays correctly and that all functionalities are working as intended. This testing phase is crucial for identifying any issues and making necessary adjustments.

Styling and Customization

After testing, consider styling the card and QuickView using custom CSS or Fluent UI. This customization allows you to tailor the appearance of the FAQ card to match your organization's branding and design preferences. Additionally, explore options for adding dynamic data fetching to keep the FAQs up-to-date with minimal manual intervention.

Challenges and Tradeoffs

Building a Viva Connections FAQ card involves several challenges and tradeoffs. One significant challenge is ensuring compatibility across different devices and browsers. The FAQ card must be responsive and function seamlessly on various platforms to provide a consistent user experience.

Another challenge is balancing the complexity of the FAQ card with performance considerations. While adding features and interactivity can enhance user experience, it can also impact the card's performance. Developers must carefully consider which features are essential and optimize the card to maintain fast load times and smooth interactions.

Additionally, integrating the FAQ card with existing systems and data sources can be complex. Developers must ensure that the card can access and display the most current information without compromising security or data integrity. This often involves working closely with IT teams to establish secure data connections and implement robust authentication mechanisms.

Conclusion

The Viva Connections FAQ card, built with React QuickView, offers a powerful tool for enhancing intranet support content. By following the step-by-step guide provided by Microsoft, developers can create an interactive and dynamic FAQ experience that meets the needs of their organization. While challenges and tradeoffs exist, careful planning and consideration can lead to a successful implementation that benefits both users and administrators.

As organizations continue to embrace digital transformation, tools like the Viva Connections FAQ card play a crucial role in improving communication and accessibility. By leveraging the capabilities of SPFx and React, developers can create engaging and effective solutions that drive productivity and user satisfaction.

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