The API leverages Microsoft ADO .NET Data Services which currently supports exchanging entities using either JSON or ATOM (an XML-based feed format). Furthermore the API supports a rich query interface that supports filtering, sorting and query expansion. To find out more about the API and the functionality it supports, please refer to the Mobile Researcher API guide.

To illustrate the capability of leveraging the API from a platform other than the one it is developed and hosted on, we have built a simple Java wrapper which is available here. The wrapper supports querying the API for submissions and their associated responses. In time we will add further samples developed in other languages.

If you would like to find out more about the Mobile Researcher API or have any problems accessing it please feel free to send us an email at support@mobileresearcher.com.

Resources:

Mobile Researcher API Guide – Download
Java Wrapper – Download

Breadcrumb

A Breadcrumb is a common navigational element used on many websites to allow users to orientate themselves and quickly move from one place to another with relatively few clicks. The term originates from the age-old fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel who leave breadcrumbs behind them in the hope of finding their way home.

In the research console, the breadcrumb has been implemented to indicate the current:

1. Organisation / account
2. Selected study
3. Selected survey. If a survey is selected, the survey’s status will also be displayed.

Account: Clyral; Study: Training; Survey: Training Demo

Clicking anywhere on the Breadcrumb will open the Quick-switch panel which has been reworked to make navigation substantially easier.

Quick-switch

Although the Quick-switch is not altogether new (you were always able to open it by clicking on the arrow at the top left of the screen) we have redesigned this feature to provide a much more intuitive and comprehensive set of navigation options.

The Quick-switch provides instant access to every study and survey which you have permission to access. Simply select the study and then choose the survey you’d like to access. You will be redirected to the same tab you’re currently viewing but with the chosen survey in context. Alternatively, if you’d like to see an overview of activity for a study, select it from the Quick-switch then click the “Dashboard” link at the top right.

The Quick-switch panel provides access to all studies and surveys.

Depending on the permissions you have been granted, you may also be able to create new surveys and studies from the Quick-switch panel.

Ribbon

If you’ve used Microsoft Office 2007, you’ll be familiar with the concept of a ribbon. When you select one of the main function groups (such as Home, Insert, View, etc), a ribbon with additional actions related to the group appears. The use of a ribbon in the research console provides access to common functionality based on the main tab selected.

Actions available from the dashboard ribbon

Step 1. Check what version is installed.

The version number is displayed at the top of the screen which loads when Mobile Researcher first opens. If you have the latest version installed, you do not need to continue.

Step 2. Ensure all surveys have been uploaded.

You’ll need to ensure that any survey responses which may still be pending upload have been allowed to do so before upgrading the mobile application installed on a handset. There’s nothing different here to normal upload (just giving the application a few minutes and granting network access if requested).

Once the “Pending Upload” notice disappears from the top of the main menu, you may exit the application and continue to the next step.

Step 3. Re-provision the device from your Research Console

If you have the necessary authorisation, you may login to your Research Console and select the device which you would like to upgrade. Then click “Provision device” from the right menu. A message containing a link to download the latest version of the mobile application will be sent to the device.

Step 4. Access the download link from the handset

Upon receiving the download link, open the message and access the link (this process differs slightly from one manufacturer to another). The message text will be “Download 3.1.20“. Ensure the link references http://www.researchconsole.com to validate that the application source is legitimate. If the link references some other domain, do not continue with the download and contact the Mobile Researcher support team.

Step 5. Accept any security warnings and confirm the download location

You will need to read and accept several warning messages and, on some handsets, specify a location to store the application. If given the choice between phone and card memory, select phone memory.

• Replace version x.x.x with newer 3.1.20? Select “Yes”.
• Application source differs from original. Continue? Select “Yes”.
• Save application data? Select “No”.

Step 6. Configure network access permissions

On some phones, upgrading the application version may require you to reconfigure the network access permissions. Again, the method for doing this is handset dependent.

You’re done.

Once you’ve upgraded the device, be sure to check for updates to get the surveys back onto the handset. Any new survey features will now be available.