CRM 2013 (Orion): Re-imagined User Interface

Re-imagined User Interface

Microsoft has completely re-imagined the user interface of Microsoft Dynamics CRM. The re-imagined design introduces cleaner, faster and more intuitive user interface which drives productivity.

The biggest obstacle to success of any software application is the user adoption. The user interface design principles are focused on ease of use and productivity. The main design principles are shown in this figure (taken from Microsoft's documentation). 

Form Changes (Refreshed User Interface) 

In Dynamics CRM 2011, Ribbonized entities were introduced and the main objective was to refresh the user experience and to make it more consistent across Microsoft products.

In December 2012 Service Update of Dynamics CRM, three form modes were introduced.

• Classic experience
• Read Optimized experience (using inline form controls)
• Process Flow based User interface (available for 5 core entities)

Client SDK or form events were not supported in Read Optimized or Process Flow based user interface, so if any JavaScript was detected the form would always fall-back to the classic mode.

In CRM 2013, new refreshed experience has been extended to the rest of the application covering most of the end-user facing entities. Additionally, custom entities will also get this refreshed experience with full client sdk and form events. Classic forms are restricted to the administrative settings area.

In CRM 2013, we have two types of form experience

• New form experience
• Classic form experience

This diagram represents all the refreshed entities in the system.

The form itself has been has been completely redesigned (as shown below)

The Primary Information is displayed on the left, social pane (including activities and notes) in the middle and top right corner highlights the important data points which are in-line editable.

Microsoft has also introduced “Create” button which enables the users to quickly create records from the top navigation. When the button is clicked, a quick form pops up for optimized data capture (which can be customized).  The forms are also resizeable which make them usable with different devices for mobility. 

Refer to Microsoft's documentation for more information.