Ushahidi Platform Product Update: Q2 and Q3 2024

As we continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible with the Ushahidi Platform, our team has been hard at work refining and enhancing its capabilities. Here’s a closer look at the exciting updates you can expect in Q2 and Q3 of 2024.

 

Q2 2024: A Season of Refinement and Enhancement

 

Improved Survey Configuration

In Q2, we've taken significant strides to improve how surveys are configured within the platform. Our developers have introduced enhanced end-to-end (E2E) tests that ensure the seamless operation of survey settings, including the ability to hide author and location information. This update not only streamlines the configuration process but also adds an extra layer of privacy for users. We’ve also tackled several nagging issues with survey error messages and improved the reliability of survey filter tests, making data collection more dependable than ever before.

 

Mobile App Improvements

Our mobile app has received some much-needed attention this quarter. Users will now find that uploaded images are displayed correctly, eliminating the frustration of missing visuals. Additionally, we've resolved problems related to map tile layers, filters, and map visibility, ensuring that the mapping experience is as smooth as it is informative. The app's responsiveness has also seen a boost, with improvements made to layout consistency on smaller screens during email validation and when viewing collection lists. General fixes, such as correcting errors with privacy links and terms and conditions acceptance, further enhance user trust and compliance.

 

User Interface Enhancements

Navigating the Ushahidi Platform should be intuitive, and in Q2, we’ve made some subtle yet impactful changes to achieve just that. Updated hint text on the Post Search page guides users more effectively, while general settings have been fine-tuned for easier management. Issues with the 'select all' button and content jumping when navigating to post details have been ironed out, ensuring a smoother user journey. Collection management has also benefited from these updates, with fixed permissions and visibility settings, along with enhancements to the display and elimination of duplication issues.

 

Bug Fixes & Performance

Behind the scenes, our team has been busy addressing various bugs and performance hiccups. Console errors related to CSV imports and general settings have been resolved, reducing system disruptions. Validation errors and permission checks have been tightened up, bolstering the platform's security framework. These refinements contribute to a more stable and secure environment for all users.

 

Code Quality and Testing

To maintain the platform's robustness, we've undertaken a thorough refactoring of the codebase, focusing on performance and maintainability. This foundational work lays the groundwork for future innovations. We've also refreshed and added new E2E tests to ensure the platform remains resilient against potential issues, guaranteeing a reliable experience for everyone.

 

Miscellaneous Updates

A few additional tweaks round out the Q2 updates. We've corrected text and terminology across various parts of the application, improving clarity and user understanding. Documentation has been updated with instructions for running tests locally and updated login credentials, providing essential support for developers and users alike.

 

Q3 2024: Streamlining Workflows and Boosting Accessibility

 

Lock Posts

As we move into Q3, one of our key focuses is preventing conflicts in collaborative environments. To address this, we've introduced a feature that locks posts when someone is editing them. This means that if multiple people are working on the same post, their changes won't override each other until the edits are saved. This simple yet effective solution ensures data integrity and reduces the risk of lost or conflicting information.

 

Better Intuitiveness When Marking Tasks as Complete

We understand that workflow efficiency is crucial, so we've repositioned the option to mark tasks as complete within the user interface. This change makes it clearer and more intuitive, reducing bottlenecks by indicating precisely when reports have passed prerequisite steps. With this enhancement, users can confirm task completion more efficiently, leading to smoother operations overall.

 

Bug Fixes

The ongoing commitment to bug fixes continues into Q3. We've addressed lingering issues in the mobile apps, enhancing stability and user satisfaction. Additionally, we've resolved problems with CSV data exports for deployments using multisite functionality, ensuring that data handling remains seamless and reliable.

 

Accessibility Improvements

Accessibility remains a top priority, and we've taken steps to make the platform more inclusive. Descriptive texts and alt-labels have been added to key workflows, providing better support for users with disabilities. These changes make the platform more accessible and user-friendly for everyone.

 

Data View

The data view experience has also seen some notable improvements. The user interface now remains stable when resizing browser windows on desktops, tablets, or mobile devices, providing a consistent experience across different platforms. Furthermore, better confirmation messages have been implemented for operations that could result in data loss, such as deleting a survey or category. These messages help reduce the risk of accidental deletions, giving users peace of mind.

 

Improved Saved Filters

Finally, we've enhanced the saved filters to deliver more accurate results matching the selected criteria. This improvement boosts data retrieval efficiency, allowing users to find exactly what they need with greater precision.

 

As we progress through 2025, our commitment to refining the Ushahidi Platform remains unwavering. These updates reflect our dedication to providing an exceptional user experience, meeting your needs, and continuously pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Thank you for being part of our community, and stay tuned for more exciting developments in the quarters ahead!