ServiceNow Next Experience UI Demo
Science & Technology
Introduction
Welcome to our newly updated ServiceNow fundamental series! In this article, we will take a detailed look at how to log into the ServiceNow application and explore the user interface (UI). Our goal is to break down the UI components, review various applications and modules, and discuss how ServiceNow presents data from its database.
Logging into ServiceNow
To access the ServiceNow UI, a user needs a user record created in the database. This record provides a User ID and password, along with group and role records that define user permissions within the platform. For this demonstration, I’m logging into my personal developer instance (PDI), which is set up with an administrator role, allowing me complete access.
When logging in, please note that your homepage may differ based on your roles or instance version. After entering my credentials, I’m presented with the homepage, which serves as the primary interface for ServiceNow, known as the Next Experience Unified Navigation. This interface is crucial for navigating and completing tasks efficiently.
Exploring the User Interface
Unified Navigation Header
The unified navigation header is prominently displayed at the top and remains consistent throughout your session. Below this header is the main content area where you will perform most of your work. This area can also contain left and right sidebars, which may provide additional functionality or shortcuts.
At the left end of the unified navigation header is the logo, which can be customized to reflect your company’s branding. Clicking this logo returns you to your homepage.
Menu Items
The menu items available in the navigation header vary based on your roles and permissions. Every user will see the All Menu, which grants access to all applications and modules. Clicking on it will reveal the Application Navigator, showcasing available applications organized into categories and modules.
- Applications: These are top-level items in the navigator.
- Categories and Modules: Categories group related modules, which can be opened to display their functionalities.
You can pin often-used applications or modules for quick access by clicking the pin icon.
Favorites and History
The Favorites menu allows quick access to frequently used items. You can add items to your favorites using the star icon. The history menu displays the last pages you visited, providing an easy way to return to prior locations.
Workspaces and Admin Menu
Depending on your roles, you may have access to workspaces. These are specially designed pages that facilitate specific work types. The Admin Menu, visible to administrators, contains specialized modules for system management.
Contextual App Pill and Global Search
The contextual app pill displays your current location within the UI and allows you to add the page to your favorites. The global search tool enables you to search keywords across all platform applications and records.
Notifications and User Menu
Users can manage notifications through the notifications icon and customize settings through the user menu, which contains options for profile management, preferences, impersonation, and log out.
Types of Screens in the UI
The ServiceNow UI features several types of screens, including:
- List Views: Displays a list of records from a database table with filtering and sorting capabilities.
- Form Views: Shows individual records allowing for viewing and editing of fields.
- Workspaces: Combines various tools on one page tailored for specific tasks, enabling collaboration.
- Dashboards: Displays reports and analytics in widget format for high-level insights.
- Knowledge Bases: Contains articles that provide guidance and help users resolve issues.
- Service Catalog: Functions like an online store where users can request IT products and services.
For example, a list view can show user records with options to filter and view the total number. A form view displays detailed information on a specific record, along with functionality for making edits.
Conclusion
Overall, the ServiceNow Next Experience Unified Navigation offers a consistent and intuitive user interface, simplifying the user experience. By accessing your PDI or developer instance and exploring the components mentioned, you can deepen your understanding of the platform.
Stay tuned for future articles that will dive deeper into each of these UI elements!
Keywords
ServiceNow, Next Experience, UI, unified navigation, application navigator, workspaces, dashboards, knowledge base, service catalog.
FAQ
Q1: What is ServiceNow’s Next Experience UI?
A1: The Next Experience UI is the unified navigation interface of ServiceNow where users perform various tasks and manage data.
Q2: What role is required to see the Admin Menu?
A2: The Admin Menu is visible to users who have the administrator role.
Q3: How can I customize my homepage in ServiceNow?
A3: Your homepage can be customized according to personal preferences and roles, allowing you to set up the most relevant information at a glance.
Q4: What is the purpose of the global search tool?
A4: The global search tool allows users to find records and applications across the entire platform through keyword searches.
Q5: Can I add items to my favorites?
A5: Yes, you can add applications and modules to your favorites for quick access by clicking the star icon next to them.