Hi there,
About that UI interface (it honestly isn't that great). I encourage you to check out Laminar's presentation at Flight Sim Con 2016. Just google it on YouTube and you will find it. It's pretty amazing and they showed off the upgraded UI and upcoming rendering and shadow improvements (it looks real). As for flight planning software, you could use SimBrief-freeware but you have to pay for the latest AIRAC cycle), Routeplanner FMC-freeware (I think google it), or XFMC-freeware (1405 AIRAC cycle)
Hope this helps you,
Rishi