Power Apps Viking

This post is a part of a series of 5 post exploring the key things you need to know about, when getting started with building model-driven apps on the Power Platform. The series contains these 5 guides:
1. Working with solutions
2. Working with tables
3. Working with forms
4. Working with views (this post)
5. Working with the App Designer

UPDATE: If you prefer to follow along in a youtube video instead you can find it here:
This is the first of 5 posts in my new series exploring the key things you need to know, as a citizen developer, when getting started with building model-driven apps, on the Power Platform.
1. Working with solutions (this post)
2. Working with tables
3. Working with forms
4. Working with views
5. Working with the App Designer

UPDATE: If you prefer to follow along in a youtube video instead you can find it here:
Getting Start With Model-Driven Apps – Working with Views

I recommend starting from the first post and working your way through them.
In my previous post, I explored the essentials of working with forms in model-driven apps. Building on that knowledge, this post will focus on views, another fundamental component of model-driven apps.

Views play a pivotal role in model-driven apps by providing users with tailored perspectives on data. They offer a flexible way to filter and sort records, define column layouts, and display relevant information. Views empower users to focus on specific data subsets and facilitate quick decision-making. Understanding the basics of views is vital for creating impactful user interfaces and enhancing productivity.

The post is divided in to the 4 following parts:
1. How do views work?
2. Types of views
3. Best practice when working with views
4. Do’s and Don’ts

1. How do views work?

Understanding How Views Work: a. Filtering and Sorting: Views allow users to filter and sort data based on specific criteria. In addition to user-defined views, model-driven apps also include system views and personal views.

2. Types of views

System Views
System views are pre-configured views provided by the Power Platform. They offer commonly used data perspectives and serve as a starting point for users. System views are designed to cater to different user roles and provide essential data insights. While system views cannot be modified, they can serve as a reference for creating custom views.

Personal Views
Personal views enable individual users to personalize their data display within model-driven apps. Users can create their own views by selecting the desired filter criteria, column layouts, sorting preferences, and other display settings. Personal views allow users to tailor the app interface to their specific needs and enhance their productivity.

3. Best Practices When Working with Views

Plan View Structure
Consider both system views and personal views when planning the overall view structure. Identify common data perspectives required by different user roles and create system views accordingly. Encourage users to personalize views based on their specific needs while maintaining a balance between customization and standardization.

Use Meaningful View Names
Assign descriptive names to both system and personal views to facilitate easy identification. Clear and intuitive names help users locate and select the appropriate view quickly, enhancing user experience and productivity.

Leverage Filter Criteria
Define filter criteria in views carefully to ensure relevant data is displayed. Strike a balance between providing flexibility and avoiding overly complex filters that may impact performance. Consider the unique requirements of different user roles and align filter criteria accordingly.

Optimize Column Layouts
Ensure that both system and personal views have optimized column layouts. Select the most important and frequently accessed fields for display to avoid overwhelming the user interface. Prioritize key information to facilitate quick data analysis and decision-making.

4. Do’s and Don’ts When Working with Views:

Do’s:

• Do encourage users to personalize their views to meet their specific needs and workflows.

• Do educate users about the availability and benefits of system views and guide them to select appropriate ones.

• Do regularly review and update both system and personal views to align with evolving business requirements.

• Do consider performance implications when applying complex sorting or filtering to views.

Don’ts

• Don’t solely rely on default system views; customize views to align with user requirements.

• Don’t create an excessive number of personal views, as it may lead to clutter and confusion for users.

• Don’t use redundant or overlapping views; ensure each view serves a unique purpose and adds value.

Wrapping up
Views, including system views and personal views, are essential for data presentation and analysis in model-driven apps. By understanding their functionality, following best practices, and considering the do’s and don’ts outlined in this blog post, you can effectively leverage views to provide users with personalized and meaningful data perspectives, improving their productivity and decision-making within the Power Platform.