[Modification Request] Add support to display pillars as cards

[seangolob]

Hi PB team!

I have noticed several pages in production where there have been custom styles applied to make pillars look like cards.

• https://github.com/features/actions
• https://github.com/features/codespaces
• https://github.com/features/code-search
• https://github.com/features/security
• https://github.com/education
• https://github.com/education/partners
• https://github.com/education/students
• https://github.com/education/teachers
• https://github.com/education/schools

Currently, custom styles are applied to the Pillar wherever they are implemented to make them look like cards. Should this be a feature that is supported by Primer Brand so we can get consistency for these use cases?

Thank you for your fantastic work! 🙇

[danielguillan]

Hey Sean!

Thanks for bringing this up and for sharing all those references. Adding a background to pillars is definitely becoming a common pattern.

Historically, we aimed to create a visual distinction between Cards and Pillars by only adding a background to Cards. This approach clarifies that Cards are interactive elements, while Pillars are pirmarily static content. One key distinction is that Cards always link to another location, making the entire element clickable. In contrast, Pillars may have optional links, with only the link being clickable. A common feature of all the Pillar examples you've shared is that none include a link, which seems enough to reinforces this distinction.

Therefore, we might consider allowing a background for Pillars, but perhaps only when there is no link? @rezrah @jesussandreas, I would love to hear your thoughts on this.