Here are some points to consider when designing your application

Getting Started

There are several stages to the development of a CommCare application, with important questions to consider at each stage.

Application Design

1. Project Context: What data is being tracked? Who are the users? What are the data needs?

2. Define Menu and Form Structure: What are the major events (i.e. registration, monthly visits, meetings, etc.)? What is the structure of the community or intervention How can the structure be optimized for usability/help the mobile user?

3. Content Design

   1. What List of Question Types in CommCare should you include? Will they require Common Logic and Calculations ?

   2. What will the multimedia content be?

   3. What counseling messages need to be included?

   4. What questions or calculations should be in each form?

Application Purpose and Requirements

When developing an application, the first step is to "define" the application. Think about the major questions in structuring the app. It also helps to understand how complex the program will be, and what type of resources will be required (i.e. multimedia development, approval of health counseling messages, etc.). 

• How do you want to build your CommCare application? (Build Your CommCare Application

Defining Your Workflow

In the next stage, it is important to dive into more detail about how to structure your application. Here are some the steps the field team takes at this stage:

• Draw a schematic that shows the workflow of the application. Specifically, show the structure of the Menus and Forms and how you think the content should be best organized. 

• Describe the purpose of each form as it relates to case management concepts. For each form consider how it relates to the life cycle/care cycle of that case of interest. 

Some specific questions for consideration:

• What is/are the criterion/criteria for closing a case? 

• Is an edit form is necessary or required?

• If case sharing is required in the application, are there multiple workflows to illustrate?

Workflow Mapping Guide

In this guide, we present examples and templates to create digital workflow documentation.

The DIIG Digital Workflow Template includes examples, key elements, and templates following the WHO’s Digital Implementation Investment Guide (DIIG). Copy and paste templates to create your own workflows using PowerPoint or Google Slides.

Define the Application Content

After your overall concept and workflow have been defined, it's time to dive into the content. At this stage you can start to fill in the specific content of each form.