Widget variation rules
Widget variation rules are an essential part of the widget variation framework. A rule in a widget variation defines how the variation appears and behaves.
A widget variation without any rules automatically inherits those from the active variation of the global widget.
A rule typically includes definitions for context, merchandising, and general widget settings. Rules for recommendation widgets include recipes.
Context
A rule's context defines the criteria for a rule to apply. There are two types of context:
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Site context defines where in the site a visitor must be for the rule to take effect.
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Visitor context defines the segment of visitors to which the rule applies.
If you do not set a context, the rule applies to all site areas and to all visitors. After setting a context for a rule, the rule editor screen displays a sample set of items that visitors fitting that context see.
You can set rule context in all widgets including the global widget.
Recipes
For recommendation and email recommendation widgets, you use recipes to configure how results are generated. Recipes are AI-driven algorithms for trends, popularity, and conversions. You can custom craft recipes to address specific merchandising needs.
You can only set recipes for recommendation and email recommendation widgets.
Merchandising
You can customize results and their display in a widget, by applying merchandising strategies similar to the following:
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Filter for an attribute and its value.
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Filter for keywords.
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Pin an item or category to a specific slot in the widget's display.
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Boost, bury, and blacklist items and categories.
Settings
In the Settings section of a rule, you can customize or configure the display of a widget. The following lists some typical examples.
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Defining layout and user experience of banner and HTML widgets.
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Configuring user interactivity, facets, and sorting options in search results widgets.
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Displaying trending categories and search ranking options in preview search widgets.