SharePoint Tips: Add an Average Rating Column Fast

Key insights

• Average Rating Column: This SharePoint feature lets users rate list items or documents using a star system or likes, making it easy to collect feedback and see which items are most valued.


• Engagement and Visibility: Adding ratings encourages team participation and displays results clearly next to each item, so everyone can quickly understand which entries are popular or highly rated.


• Enabling Ratings: To activate this feature, go to your list or library settings, select Rating settings, choose either Star Ratings (1-5 scale) or Likes, and save the changes. Only one rating column is allowed per list or library.


• Data-Driven Insights: The average rating gives an objective measure for prioritizing content or ideas based on collective user feedback, supporting better decisions with less manual work.


• Anonymity and Limitations: SharePoint keeps individual ratings anonymous and does not track who rated what. Switching between stars and likes will reset existing rating data.


• User Experience Updates: Recent improvements focus on clearer guidance between Star Ratings and Likes, along with more video tutorials and troubleshooting help for setup issues in different environments.

Introduction to Average Rating Columns in SharePoint

SharePoint Maven Inc recently released a you_tube_video that provides practical guidance on how to add an average rating column to a SharePoint list. This feature allows users to rate items within lists, offering organizations a simple yet effective way to collect feedback and gauge preferences. As SharePoint continues to play a central role in collaboration and document management, leveraging the built-in rating column can significantly enhance user engagement and support data-driven decision-making.

The video sheds light on both technical steps and strategic considerations, making it a valuable resource for SharePoint administrators and business users alike. Let’s explore the key insights and implications of this approach as presented in the tutorial.

Understanding the Rating Feature in SharePoint

The core functionality centers around enabling either a “Star Rating” system or a straightforward “Likes” option in a SharePoint list or document library. When activated, users can easily assign a rating—typically on a one-to-five star scale—or simply “like” an item. SharePoint then calculates and displays the average rating automatically, providing at-a-glance insights into which items are most valued by the team.

This ability to gather feedback is especially useful in environments where collective input is essential, such as for prioritizing proposals or evaluating project ideas. By making the process accessible and intuitive, SharePoint encourages greater participation from users who might otherwise be hesitant to share their opinions.

Steps and Tradeoffs in Enabling Ratings

To set up the average rating column, users must access their list or library settings, navigate to “Rating settings,” and choose between star ratings or likes. While this process is straightforward, there are important tradeoffs to consider. For instance, only one rating column is permitted per list or library, so teams need to decide upfront which metric best fits their needs.

Additionally, switching from star ratings to likes—or vice versa—will reset any existing data, meaning previous feedback will be lost. This limitation requires careful planning, particularly in lists that already contain valuable ratings. The system also does not track individual user ratings, which offers a degree of privacy but may limit accountability for some organizations.

Recent Developments and Practical Challenges

According to the video, recent updates to SharePoint have focused on refining the user experience and addressing common pain points. However, some users still encounter technical challenges, such as errors when enabling the rating column in certain environments. These issues highlight the ongoing need for clear documentation and responsive support from both Microsoft and the SharePoint community.

Moreover, the distinction between star ratings and likes remains an area of confusion for some users. The video emphasizes that these options serve different purposes: star ratings are suitable for nuanced feedback, while likes offer a binary yes-or-no response. Choosing the right approach depends on the specific goals and context of each team.

Balancing Engagement with Simplicity

The integration of average ratings into SharePoint lists offers a balance between ease of use and actionable insights. On one hand, the feature encourages broader engagement by lowering the barrier to participation. On the other hand, the limited customization options—such as the inability to add multiple rating columns or track individual responses—may restrict its utility in more complex scenarios.

Organizations must weigh these factors when deciding how to implement feedback mechanisms in SharePoint. While the built-in rating column is ideal for straightforward use cases, teams with advanced requirements may need to explore additional solutions or customizations.

Conclusion

In summary, the you_tube_video from SharePoint Maven Inc provides a clear, step-by-step overview of adding an average rating column in SharePoint. This feature supports better collaboration by making feedback collection simple and transparent. However, as with any tool, understanding its limitations and planning accordingly is crucial for maximizing its benefits. As SharePoint evolves, staying informed about best practices and updates will help organizations continue to leverage its full potential for team engagement and decision-making.

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