Microsoft’s latest updates for the Unified Interface has brought along a very clear indication of where they want users to interact with Dynamics 365 — mobile.
What’s the reason? Well, studies say I should easily be able to find a fact about high mobile phone usage and insert it just here. So here it goes, “According to the latest report from IDC Research, which examined habits of smartphone users, 79% of adult smartphone users have their phones with them for 22 hours a day.” With that being said, it’s no wonder that Microsoft are pushing their customers to mobile! The indication of this push comes in the form of a bunch of cool new field controls that bring a whole new level of mobile responsiveness within the Dynamics 365 app. Fields are now not only nice to look at – but nice to use and far more intuitive than they were before. Boring number inputs no longer exist and have turned into interactive linear sliders, radial knobs, or arc knobs. Improved functionality such as being able to sign off on an order form directly within CRM brings a whole new level of use to Dynamic 365.
Between Dynamics 365′s ever growing list of mobile responsive features and PowerApps – users should have a plethora of options to access their data at the touch of a button. Now it’s up to the users of Dynamics 365 to think up ways they could make use of these good lookin’ fields.
The GIF below will give you an idea of what an order form could look and interact like with the new field controls. You’ll notice just how seamless the functionality is. Rather than inputting numbers on a dial pad, the form is filled out through a sequence of sliders and a touch signature.
This is just an example of how your forms can look. There’s various other new mobile compatible controls. Here’s a peek at some of those controls Microsoft has rolled out for the mobile experience:
Calendar Control
Use this control to configure forms so they show up as a calendar view in Dynamics 365 for phones and tablets. You can also use this control to replace dashboards or lists for phones and tablets.
Timeline Control
Provide a timeline of recent, relevant news articles and Twitter tweets for an account.
Linear Slider
The linear slider control lets your users input numerical values by dragging a slider and provides an option for typing in the quantity. The slider provides whole number input and display only. Use this control for any numerical or money field.
Option Sets
The option set control presents a set of choices for your users to choose from when entering data. Use this control for option sets with two or three choices only.
Flip Switch
The flip switch is like an on/off switch, providing a choice between two values.
Star Rating
Use the star rating to provide a visual representation of a rating. The maximum number of stars you can set is five. You can use this control for whole numbers only; it can’t accept decimal values.
Radial Knob
The radial knob provides a way for users to enter data by sliding the knob and shows up on the screen as a circle. The radial knob control provides whole number input and display only. Use this control for any numerical or money fields. You can use touch to change the value, or you can use the keypad to focus on the number and edit it.
Arc Knob
The arc knob provides a way for users to enter data by sliding the knob and shows up on the screen as an arc. The arc knob control provides whole number input and display only. Use this control for any numerical and money fields. You can use touch to change the value, you can also focus on the number and edit it using the keypad.
Linear Gauge
The linear gauge lets your users input numerical values by dragging a slider instead of typing in the exact quantity. The slider provides whole number input and display only. Use this control for any numerical and money fields.
Number Input
Use the number input control to help users enter data quickly. Users only have to tap the plus and minus buttons to change a numeric value in increments you set. Use this control for any numerical or money field. Users can also type a number directly into the field. This field is only supported in edit mode.
Pen Control
Use the pen control to capture written input such as signatures.
Bullet Graph
The bullet graph control displays a single key measure with a comparative measure and qualitative ranges to instantly signal whether the measure is good, bad, or in another state. Use this control in dashboards for any numerical or money field. For example, you can map the value to actual revenue and the target to estimated revenue to visualize actual versus estimated revenue.
Want to find out more about Microsoft’s Unified Interface? Check out our popular article, Unified Interface for Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement: Top 5 Questions Answered.
