As a direct outcome of the HISP UX Fundamentals Strengthening Workshop (a training initiative aimed at equipping HISP teams with foundational UX research skills to improve DHIS2 usability), several members took a step forward by conducting usability testing to refine the Secondary Data Entry process in DHIS2. This was an important step, as these members of the UX HISP network conducted usability tests independently for the first time, with support from the DHIS2 Core team. This hands-on exercise was an opportunity for participants to apply their newly acquired skills in a real-world setting. This approach has the potential to unlock local testing for global products and create a sustainable, decentralised UX research model.
Empowering Local UX Research for Global Impact
What Did We Test?
The DHIS2 Core team has been working on enhancing the process of bulk data entry, a common practice involving registers, books, and other manual records. This includes improving how DHIS2 is used for secondary data entry, making row-based data entry more streamlined and efficient. The goal of the usability tests was to understand how end-users interact with new design ideas and identify areas for improvement.
How Did the Collaboration Work?
The usability testing initiative was driven by four organisations in three countries: HISP Tanzania, UDSM Lab (Tanzania), HISP Uganda, and HISP Vietnam. Additionally, HISP Sri Lanka contributed expert feedback to refine the testing process. These teams conducted usability tests using design mockups with 18 DHIS2 end-users across Tanzania, Uganda and Laos, likely to use DHIS2 for Secondary Data Entry in the future. They carefully applied interviewing techniques learned during the workshop. The gathered feedback was synthesised and shared with the DHIS2 Core team, who further analysed overall trends and insights across all the observations.
How Is This Strengthening DHIS2?
This initiative plays an important role in distributed UX research within the DHIS2 ecosystem. Gathering feedback directly from end-users is extremely challenging for a global solution as DHIS2. By involving HISP teams directly in usability testing, we explored a model where those closest to the field can provide valuable insights that influence product development. This engagement specifically highlighted usability challenges, such as difficulties in navigating to the form data entry tab and the underutilization of features like bulk-data entry due to limited discoverability. These findings are presently guiding refinements in the design, ensuring that user needs are better addressed. The feedback collected is now shaping the first version of Secondary Data Entry, which will be introduced in DHIS2 v42.
Additionally, this process is also strengthening the capacity of HISP groups to independently conduct UX research, not only to provide valuable contributions to future DHIS2 improvements, but also to apply these techniques in their own designs
[The usability testing was] eye opening. Obtaining user perspectives on prototype design provided completely different results than what would be expected by designers and system implementers.- UX HISP Network member
This collaboration has shown the immense potential of HISP- led UX research to bridge the gap between end users and the core team.
What’s Next?
We plan to continue our engagement with the HISP network to build on the progress made so far. We will also conduct online workshops to further strengthen UX skills and create opportunities for more usability tests to refine new DHIS2 features. If you are interested in collaborating, feel free to reach out!
A heartfelt thank you to all the involved organisations for their dedication, hard work, and invaluable contributions!
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