Unified Navigation is a modern navigation framework introduced in ServiceNow to provide users with a streamlined and consistent experience across the platform. It replaces the traditional banner frame navigation with a more intuitive and efficient interface design.
The Unified Navigation framework…Unified Navigation is a modern navigation framework introduced in ServiceNow to provide users with a streamlined and consistent experience across the platform. It replaces the traditional banner frame navigation with a more intuitive and efficient interface design.
The Unified Navigation framework consists of several key components. The All menu, located in the top-left corner, serves as the primary access point for applications and modules. Users can click this menu to browse through available applications or use the filter navigator to quickly search for specific modules by typing keywords.
The application navigator displays a hierarchical structure of applications and their associated modules. Users can expand and collapse application categories to find the functionality they need. Favorites and history features allow users to bookmark frequently accessed modules and return to recently visited pages.
The banner frame at the top of the screen contains essential elements including the company logo, global search functionality, user profile menu, and system settings. The global search enables users to find records, knowledge articles, and other content across the entire platform.
Unified Navigation also introduces workspaces, which are role-based landing pages designed for specific user groups such as IT Service Management agents or HR case workers. These workspaces consolidate relevant information and tools into a single view, improving productivity.
The contextual sidebar provides quick access to related information and actions based on the current record or page being viewed. This feature helps users perform tasks more efficiently by surfacing relevant options.
Administrators can customize Unified Navigation by configuring application menus, creating custom navigation modules, and setting up role-based navigation rules. This flexibility ensures that users see only the applications and modules relevant to their job functions.
Unified Navigation supports responsive design principles, adapting to different screen sizes and devices while maintaining functionality and usability across desktop and mobile platforms.
Unified Navigation in ServiceNow: Complete Study Guide
What is Unified Navigation?
Unified Navigation is ServiceNow's modern navigation framework introduced to provide a consistent, streamlined user experience across the platform. It consolidates multiple navigation elements into a single, cohesive interface that allows users to access applications, modules, favorites, and history from one centralized location.
Why is Unified Navigation Important?
Understanding Unified Navigation is crucial for several reasons:
• Enhanced User Productivity: Users can find and access features faster with an intuitive search-based navigation system • Consistent Experience: Provides uniformity across all ServiceNow applications and workspaces • Reduced Training Time: New users can learn the platform more quickly due to simplified navigation • Modern Interface: Aligns with contemporary web application design standards • Exam Relevance: The CSA exam frequently tests knowledge of navigation components and their functions
Key Components of Unified Navigation
1. All Menu (Application Navigator) The All menu is the primary access point for applications and modules. Users can: • Browse applications alphabetically • Use the filter to search for specific items • Pin frequently used applications as favorites
2. Favorites Users can mark applications, modules, or records as favorites for quick access. Favorites appear with a star icon and can be organized for personalized navigation.
3. History The history feature tracks recently visited pages and records, allowing users to quickly return to previous locations.
4. Global Search Located in the banner frame, global search enables users to find records, applications, and content across the entire platform.
5. Banner Frame The top portion of the interface containing: • Company logo • Global search • Connect chat • Help • User menu and settings
6. Contextual App Pill Displays the current application context and allows switching between related applications.
How Unified Navigation Works
When a user logs into ServiceNow:
1. The banner frame loads at the top, providing access to global functions 2. The application navigator (All menu) appears on the left side 3. Users can type in the filter navigator to find applications or modules 4. Clicking an application expands to show its modules 5. The content frame displays the selected module or record 6. Breadcrumbs help users track their location within the application hierarchy
Navigation Personalization Options
• Favorites: Star icon to bookmark items • Filter Text: Type to narrow down visible applications • Collapse/Expand: Minimize the navigator to gain screen space • Edge Tabs: Quick access to favorites, history, and workspaces
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Unified Navigation
Common Question Types:
1. Component Identification: Know the names and locations of each navigation element (banner frame, application navigator, content frame)
2. Feature Functions: Understand what each component does - expect questions like "Which feature allows users to quickly return to previously viewed records?" (Answer: History)
3. User Actions: Know how users interact with navigation elements, such as how to add favorites or use the filter
Key Facts to Remember:
• The All menu contains all applications and modules • Favorites are user-specific and persist across sessions • History shows recently accessed items • Global search searches across multiple tables simultaneously • The filter navigator is used to type and search for applications • Connect provides real-time chat functionality
Strategy for Navigation Questions:
• Read questions carefully to identify which specific component is being referenced • Eliminate answers that describe functions belonging to other components • Remember that navigation questions often test terminology - know the official names • Consider the user perspective when answering scenario-based questions
Practice Question Examples:
Q: Where would a user click to access their recently viewed records? A: History (in the edge tabs or navigator)
Q: What allows users to search for applications and modules by typing keywords? A: Filter navigator (in the All menu)
Q: Which area of the interface contains the user menu and global search? A: Banner frame