MC752513 – (Updated) SharePoint Online: New heading level options for web parts

Product:

Microsoft 365 Apps, SharePoint

Platform:

Online, US Instances, Web, World tenant

Status:

Rolling out

Change type:

Feature update, Updated message, User impact

Links:

MC670896
387500

Details:

Summary:
SharePoint Online introduces new heading level options for web parts, aligning with Text web part default font sizes. Rollout begins April 2024, with completion by October 2024. Authors can set heading levels, defaulting to Heading 2. No admin action needed, but informing SharePoint authors is advised. Associated with MC670896 and Roadmap ID 387500.

Details:
Updated September 25, 2024: We have updated the rollout timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
Coming soon: When authoring pages in Microsoft SharePoint, authors will be able to choose the heading level for titles in web parts to help define the hierarchy of information on a page. As we're introducing this new capability, we're also using it as an opportunity to align to the default heading font size in the Text web part. This means that all headings for both Text web part and titles in web parts will be as follow. Note: with this change we're not changing the default headings sizes for the Text web part:
Heading 2 will be 28
Heading 3 will be 24
Heading 4 will be 20
This message is associated with MC670896 Accessibility Improvements to Page Authoring (August 2023) and with Roadmap ID 387500.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out early April 2024 and expect to complete by mid-August 2024.
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): We will begin rolling out mid-August 2024 and expect to complete by late October 2024 (previously early September).

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability, Targeted Release

Created:
2024-03-23

updated:
2024-09-26

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Preperations

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MS Urgency

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linked item details

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summary for non-techies**

SharePoint Online will introduce new heading level options for web parts, aligning with default font sizes in the Text web part, starting rollout in April 2024 and completing by October 2024, with Heading 2 as the default but options for other levels available.

Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience Disruption
Users may experience confusion regarding the new heading levels and their implications for page structure, leading to potential miscommunication of information hierarchy.
   - roles: SharePoint Authors, Content Managers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=387500

Accessibility Issues
Without proper preparation and communication, users may inadvertently create pages that are not accessible, violating accessibility standards and impacting users with disabilities.
   - roles: SharePoint Authors, Accessibility Coordinators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=387500

Documentation Gaps
Existing documentation may not reflect the new heading levels, leading to inconsistencies and user errors when creating or editing pages.
   - roles: Technical Writers, SharePoint Authors
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=387500

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced User Experience through Improved Accessibility
The new heading level options will enhance the user experience by allowing authors to create a clearer hierarchy of information on pages, improving readability and navigation for all users, particularly those using assistive technologies.
   - next-steps: Conduct training sessions for SharePoint authors on the importance of heading levels for accessibility and how to effectively use the new feature. Update documentation to reflect the changes.
   - roles: Content Authors, Accessibility Coordinators, UX Designers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=387500, https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG21/quickref/#headings-and-labels

Streamlined Content Management
By allowing authors to set heading levels, the organization can standardize the structure of content across SharePoint pages, making it easier to manage and maintain, leading to improved content discoverability.
   - next-steps: Implement a content governance policy that includes guidelines on heading usage and page structure. Monitor compliance through periodic audits of SharePoint content.
   - roles: Content Managers, IT Administrators, Compliance Officers
   - references: https://www.nngroup.com/articles/content-governance/, https://www.contentstrategy.com/

Training and Support for Authors
Informing SharePoint authors about the new features and best practices will empower them to utilize the platform more effectively, leading to better quality content and reduced support requests.
   - next-steps: Develop a training program that includes workshops, webinars, and instructional materials focused on the new heading levels and accessibility best practices.
   - roles: Training Coordinators, SharePoint Administrators, IT Support Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/08/10/accessible-content-in-sharepoint/, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/education

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

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