Application Checklist

Owned by Jeremy W.
Last updated: Jul 13, 2024 by Gillian Javetski
4 min read

When building an application, it’s helpful to have someone other than the app builder look at the application and provide feedback, considering the basic context of the project. This is useful for exploring whether the workflow, structure, and settings are optimal. Below are some of the main points to consider during an application review. Even if no one is available to review your app, it is beneficial to go through this list and ensure you have considered all these aspects.

This list encompasses aspects of usability as well as quality assurance.

Application Planning

Application planning is the foundational step in creating a CommCare application. Effective planning ensures that your app is purpose-driven, user-focused, and well-organized from the outset, setting the stage for a successful development process. It involves:

  • Define Objective: Clearly outline the goals and objectives of your application. Understand what data you need to collect, monitor, or manage, and how the application will support your organization's mission.

  • User Needs Assessment: Identify the target users and understand their requirements and workflows.

  • Data Requirements: Determine the type of data to be collected and managed.

  • Resource Allocation: Assign roles and responsibilities for development, testing, and deployment.

Form Design & Logic

See Building Forms

Form design and logic are critical for creating an intuitive and efficient CommCare application. Thoughtful form design ensures accurate data collection and a smooth user experience, making your app both effective and user-friendly. It involves:

  • Form Structure: Plan and design forms, ensuring they are logically structured and user-friendly.

  • Question Types: Choose appropriate question types (text, multiple choice, numeric, etc.).

  • Validation Conditions: Implement validation rules to ensure data integrity.

  • Skip Logic: Use skip logic to streamline the data entry process based on user inputs.

Case Management

See Case Management

Case management is very essential for enabling structured tracking and management of individual cases or entities over time. Effective case management ensures data integrity, and operational efficiency, and supports informed decision-making, ultimately enhancing the impact of your application. It involves:

  • Define Case Types: Specify the types of cases or entities to be tracked.

  • Case Properties: Determine the properties and attributes for each case type.

  • Workflow Design: Plan case workflows, including stages and transitions.

  • Case List & Case Detail Configuration: Configure case lists and case details to display relevant information and allow sorting/filtering.

Multimedia

See Multimedia in CommCare

Incorporating multimedia into your CommCare application enhances user engagement and experience. Elements like images, audio, and video make your app more interactive and informative. It involves:

  • File Types: Choose compatible multimedia file types (images, audio, video).

  • Optimization: Optimize multimedia files for size and performance.

  • Storage Management: Plan for efficient use of storage and bandwidth.

  • Accessibility: Ensure multimedia content is accessible and compatible across devices.

  • Localization: Provide translations and localizations as needed.

Language Configuration

See Language Configuration in CommCareHQ

Language is crucial for ensuring your CommCare application is accessible and user-friendly. Proper language settings ensure clear communication, improve user engagement, and enhance the overall effectiveness of your application. It involves:

  • Primary and Secondary Languages: Select languages for the application.

  • Content Translation: Translate all display text, validation messages, and UI elements.

  • Localization: Adapt content to fit local cultural and contextual nuances.

User Interface

See Application Navigation

A well-designed user interface (UI) is crucial for the usability and effectiveness of your CommCare application. Clear navigation and a user-friendly interface ensure that users can easily interact with the application, enhancing their overall experience and engagement. It involves:

  • UI Design: Create a user-friendly and intuitive interface.

  • Consistency: Maintain consistency in design elements across the application.

  • Responsive Design: Ensure the UI is responsive and works well on various devices.

  • Navigation: Design clear and straightforward navigation paths.

Data Management

See Data Management

Data management is vital for the reliability and security of your CommCare application. Effective data management ensures that your data is protected, accurate, and readily available for analysis, supporting informed decision-making and operational efficiency. Designing for Data Quality . It involves:

  • Data Security: Implement measures to protect sensitive data.

  • Data Backup: Plan regular data backup procedures.

  • Data Privacy: Ensure compliance with data privacy regulations.

  • Reporting and Analytics: Define key metrics and reporting needs.

Testing & Quality Assurance

See Performance Testing & Management

Testing and Quality assurance are critical stages in ensuring the functionality and reliability of your CommCare application. By thoroughly testing your application, you can identify and address issues early, ensuring a seamless user experience and optimal performance upon deployment. It involves:

  • Usability Testing: Conduct usability testing with real users.

  • Functional Testing: Test all functionalities to ensure they work as expected.

  • Bug Tracking: Implement a system for tracking and resolving bugs.

  • Performance Testing: Test the application's performance under various conditions.

Training & Support

Training and support are essential components of a successful deployment for your CommCare application. By investing in training and support, you empower users to maximize the application's potential, enhancing overall adoption and satisfaction. It involves:

  • User Training: Provide training sessions and materials for users.

  • Documentation: Create comprehensive documentation for the application.

  • Support System: Establish a support system for user queries and issues.

Deployment

See Installing CommCare on Android Devices

Deployment is the final stage in bringing your CommCare application to fruition. By carefully managing the deployment process, you can ensure a smooth transition from development to operational use, maximizing the impact of your CommCare application. It involves:

  • Deployment Plan: Develop a plan for deploying the application.

  • Monitoring: Set up monitoring to track application performance and usage.

  • Feedback Loop: Establish a feedback loop to gather user feedback and make necessary improvements.

A successful deployment ensures that your application is accessible to users and functions as intended in real-world scenarios.

Maintenance

See Stay Up to Date

Maintenance is crucial for sustaining the functionality and effectiveness of your CommCare application over time. By prioritizing maintenance, you ensure that your application remains reliable, secure, and aligned with organizational objectives, maximizing its long-term impact and user satisfaction. It involves

  • Regular Updates: Plan for regular updates and improvements.

  • Bug Fixes: Address bugs and issues promptly.

  • User Feedback: Continuously gather and incorporate user feedback.

By following this comprehensive checklist, you can ensure that all aspects of your CommCare application are thoroughly planned, designed, tested, and maintained, leading to a successful and effective deployment.