In the fast-paced world of digital workplace solutions, staying ahead means leveraging the latest technologies to enhance user experiences. One such innovation is the introduction of HTML Quick Views in SharePoint Framework (SPFx) version 1.20. This new feature opens up a world of possibilities for developers working with Viva Connections cards. In this blog post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of HTML Quick Views, how they differ from traditional Adaptive Card Quick Views, and how you can implement them to create dynamic and interactive experiences for your users.
Understanding HTML Quick Views
HTML Quick Views are a significant upgrade over the previous Adaptive Card Quick Views in SPFx. Traditionally, Adaptive Cards provided a flexible way to present information in a card format, but they had limitations in terms of customization and interactivity. With the introduction of HTML Quick Views, developers can now utilize HTML and CSS to design rich, interactive views that go beyond what Adaptive Cards could offer.
What Makes HTML Quick Views Special?
- Greater Flexibility: HTML Quick Views allow for more complex layouts and designs. Unlike Adaptive Cards, which have a predefined structure, HTML enables you to create bespoke designs tailored to specific needs.
- Framework Integration: You can integrate popular JavaScript frameworks like React or jQuery within HTML Quick Views. This opens up opportunities for building highly interactive and responsive components.
- Enhanced Mobile Experience: With more control over styling and layout, HTML Quick Views are optimized for mobile devices, ensuring that users have a seamless experience on any screen size.
How HTML Quick Views Enhance User Experience
Let’s consider a real-world example to illustrate the power of HTML Quick Views. Imagine you have a Viva Connections dashboard displaying recent files accessed through OneDrive. Previously, this would have been implemented using Adaptive Cards, which provided a static view of recent files. With HTML Quick Views, you can now create a more engaging experience with dynamic content, custom layouts, and interactive elements.
For instance, instead of just listing recent files, you can include visual elements such as charts or images, and even allow users to interact with these elements directly within the quick view. This level of customization enhances user engagement and makes information more accessible and actionable.
Getting Started with HTML Quick Views
Implementing HTML Quick Views in SPFx involves a few key steps. Let’s walk through the process of creating and customizing your own HTML Quick View.
1. Set Up Your Project
Start by setting up a new SPFx project. Open a terminal and create a new directory for your project:
mkdir html-quick-view-demo
cd html-quick-view-demo
Initialize a new SPFx project using Yeoman:
yo @microsoft/sharepoint
When prompted, select `Adaptive Card Extension` as the base template. This choice provides a starting point for integrating HTML Quick Views.
2. Modify the Project for HTML Quick Views
Open your project in Visual Studio Code. You’ll need to make several modifications to switch from Adaptive Card Quick Views to HTML Quick Views:
- Update the Base Class: Replace the Adaptive Card base class with the new HTML base class in your project files. This ensures that your quick view will be rendered as HTML instead of an Adaptive Card.
- Adjust the Render Method: The
rendermethod in your code will need to be updated to handle HTML output. You can copy the HTML structure from another example and paste it into your project. Ensure that your HTML and CSS are properly integrated. - Include Styles: Add any necessary CSS or SASS files to style your HTML Quick View. For example, you might want to include styles from the Office UI Fabric to maintain consistency with other SharePoint components.
3. Test Your HTML Quick View
Once you’ve made your changes, bundle and serve your project to test it. Run the following commands in your terminal:
gulp bundle
gulp serve --no-browser
Open the SharePoint workbench in your browser to see your HTML Quick View in action. If everything is set up correctly, you should see your custom HTML Quick View rendered as intended.
Best Practices for HTML Quick Views
To make the most out of HTML Quick Views, consider the following best practices:
- Optimize for Performance: Keep your HTML and CSS lean to ensure fast loading times. Avoid unnecessary scripts and large images that could slow down the view.
- Ensure Accessibility: Design your HTML Quick Views to be accessible to all users, including those using screen readers. Use semantic HTML and provide alternative text for images.
- Maintain Consistency: Use consistent styling and design patterns to ensure that your HTML Quick Views align with the overall look and feel of your SharePoint environment.
Conclusion
The introduction of HTML Quick Views in SPFx 1.20 represents a significant step forward in creating dynamic and interactive experiences within Viva Connections. By leveraging HTML, CSS, and JavaScript frameworks, developers can build more engaging and customizable views that enhance user interaction and provide valuable insights.
Whether you’re displaying recent files, integrating interactive components, or creating custom layouts, HTML Quick Views offer the flexibility and power needed to elevate your SharePoint solutions. As you start experimenting with this new feature, remember to keep user experience and performance in mind to deliver the best results.
For a hands-on demonstration, check out the YouTube video titled “Introduction to HTML Quick Views with SPFx in Viva Connections cards” from Microsoft Community Learning.
