DataWinners is now entering its second beta phase, in preparation for the commercial launch in mid-December. Having successfully completed the first stage of beta testing, we have decided to implement a number of changes to optimize DataWinners’ usability. Here are the improvements that we are most excited about:
1) Reminders! If you use DataWinners to collect data from the field, you are now able to send SMS reminders – either to all of your data senders, or specifically only to those who have not yet submitted data during that reporting period for a project. This functionality is important in guaranteeing the timeliness and completeness of your collected data.
2) Multiple languages! DataWinners is now available both in English and in French. Given the intended primary audience of the software – individuals and organizations working in international development – we believe that making the French language version available from day 1 is important in order to make the DataWinners tool accessible, especially across the African continent.
Moreover, project managers can now set the language in which they want to send all feedback messages (success and error SMS) to field staff. Language options include English and French (with Malagasy coming soon).
3) Submit data via the web! For field-based personnel that have access to a computer and the internet, the ability to submit data via the web is now available to them. Our UI provides clear instructions and detailed feedback messages that ensure Data Senders experience no trouble when submitting data.
4) User friendly SMS syntax! Teaching data senders how to compose a data submission SMS is often the biggest hurdle in mobile-based data collection. DataWinners aims to make it as easy as possible for a field worker or any other – possibly untrained – individual to send in data. As such, we have decided to test the use of uncomplicated question code identifiers in the second beta phase, and aim to offer an even simpler syntax for the commercial launch.
We continue to work with UNICEF, Catholic Relief Services and Population Services International to complete the beta testing, and anticipate a commercial launch by the end of the year.
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter (@datawinners) and check back here for more blog updates!
DataWinners 
Leave a comment