In recent years, SharePoint Online has evolved significantly, offering users more flexibility in designing and organizing content. A notable feature that has gained attention is the use of Flexible Sections. In a recent YouTube video by Daniel Anderson, a Microsoft MVP, the advantages and applications of Flexible Sections in SharePoint were discussed. This article delves into the insights shared in the video, exploring how these sections can transform page layouts and improve user experience.
Flexible Sections in SharePoint Online provide users with the ability to create modern pages without adhering to strict column structures. Unlike standard sections that come with fixed column layouts, Flexible Sections allow for the free positioning of web parts. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for creating unique landing pages, dashboards, or visually appealing content pages.
However, while Flexible Sections offer creative freedom, it is important to balance this with a structured approach to ensure consistency across pages.
One of the key insights from the video is the recommendation to combine Flexible Sections with standard sections to maintain a coherent structure. While Flexible Sections provide the liberty to design, using a mix of both ensures that the page remains organized and user-friendly.
This approach allows for a balance between creativity and functionality, ensuring that the page is both engaging and easy to navigate.
Another important aspect discussed in the video is the use of the "Align Content" feature within Flexible Sections. Adjusting content alignment can significantly enhance readability and highlight important information effectively.
Moreover, ensuring that your layout is responsive across different devices is crucial. Flexible Sections adapt well to various screen sizes, but it is essential to test layouts on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices to verify that web parts stack properly on smaller screens.
Flexible Sections open up numerous possibilities for using web parts creatively. The video highlights the importance of leveraging different web parts to create engaging and informative pages.
By thoughtfully incorporating various web parts, users can craft pages that not only convey information effectively but also captivate the audience's attention.
Accessibility is a critical consideration in web design, and the video emphasizes the importance of keeping accessibility in mind when utilizing Flexible Sections. Ensuring that text and images are properly aligned and readable is vital for enhancing usability.
By prioritizing accessibility, SharePoint users can create inclusive pages that cater to a diverse audience, thereby improving the overall user experience.
In conclusion, the use of Flexible Sections in SharePoint Online offers a powerful tool for enhancing page design and user experience. As highlighted in Daniel Anderson's video, the key lies in balancing creativity with functionality. By combining Flexible Sections with standard sections, optimizing content alignment, leveraging web parts creatively, and ensuring accessibility, users can create pages that are both visually appealing and highly functional.
As SharePoint continues to evolve, staying informed about such features and their applications can help users maximize the platform's potential, ultimately leading to more effective and engaging content delivery.
SharePoint, Flexible Sections, Page Building, Column Structure, SharePoint Design, Web Layouts, Content Management, Microsoft 365