Form Usability

[BugsInABox]

Could I ask for some coments on the useability of this form in terms of recording inspection info.
I'm aware of issues re the internet signal and screens with gloves etc, but as a proof of concept what do you think? Any suggestions? Worth persuing?

https://airtable.com/shrAbf3HV7JazkGIg
Again this is a proof of ocncept - but the info you record will be visible here - dont laugh at the somewhat nonsense and spelling info already recorded (and be aware just put dummy info at this stage as the below form will show each others contributions).

https://airtable.com/shrWVMiMudtwQn1ly

 

[Delgirl]

Could I ask for some coments on the useability of this form in terms of recording inspection info.
I'm aware of issues re the internet signal and screens with gloves etc, but as a proof of concept what do you think? Any suggestions? Worth persuing?

https://airtable.com/shrAbf3HV7JazkGIg
Again this is a proof of ocncept - but the info you record will be visible here - dont laugh at the somewhat nonsense and spelling info already recorded (and be aware just put dummy info at this stage as the below form will show each others contributions).

I use Airtable and it works for me. Aipary, hives, treatments, harvest. All with links. Happy to share empty version here if you want to use as a template or ideas Airtable | Everyone's app platform

 

[Norton Caff]

I'm afraid my reporting uses paper and pencil with hive roof backups. I don't have screens anywhere near all that propolis and soda solution for scrubbing gloves and hive tools.

 

[madasafish]

My comparison:
A4 clipboard plus pen on string plus pre-printed forms: Time to pick up, find page and write whatever I need: approx 1 minute.

Mobile phone: clean hands as fingerprint recognition does not works with propolis/wax on fingers, or remove gloves - 30 seconds, log in , find file, type .. at least 2 minutes.. Wipe phone down 30 seconds.

No brainer.

 

[IndiBee]

I have been willing to enter the current gadget age, but as stated, no way am I taking a phone or tablet to the hives.
Tried remembering all I need to for later entry - no, not at my age!
Method used for years - A4 form, laminated, kept in roof space. End of year transferred to computer and A4 wiped clean.

 

[BugsInABox]

I'm not going to attempt to convert any of you - you might be right. But if you tried the links thoughts appreciated - if you didn't, thanks for your time anyway.

 

[BugsInABox]

I have been willing to enter the current gadget age, but as stated, no way am I taking a phone or tablet to the hives.
Tried remembering all I need to for later entry - no, not at my age!
Method used for years - A4 form, laminated, kept in roof space. End of year transferred to computer and A4 wiped clean.

What's on your A4 form? I know you might not use it - but if others were too is there stuff on your form missing from mine:

https://airtable.com/shrAbf3HV7JazkGIg
It would help me ++ to know

 

[IndiBee]

Hive number
ALL the rest is space for free text.
For newbie maybe not the best plan, but I know what I want

 

[drex]

could only view the actions page. Did not seem any more use than a blank piece of paper.
My forms have date, queen seen? Marked?, eggs, larvae, pupae, number of frames of brood, queen cells, stores, disease etc, structure, weather, notes.
Home made in Excel and kept by pen and paper in my loose leaf inspection book.

 

[Murox]

I think thats the nub of it - depending on why you want to gather data its either a useful format and an aide-memoire or simply a hive number with space to record what you want. Whether its paper or electronic or even chalk marks on bricks, if it gives you the information you want its fine.

 

[frankenstine]

I like tech but near a hive it. Just doesn't work
Near a hive

 

[pargyle]

Could I ask for some coments on the useability of this form in terms of recording inspection info.
I'm aware of issues re the internet signal and screens with gloves etc, but as a proof of concept what do you think? Any suggestions? Worth persuing?

https://airtable.com/shrAbf3HV7JazkGIg
Again this is a proof of ocncept - but the info you record will be visible here - dont laugh at the somewhat nonsense and spelling info already recorded (and be aware just put dummy info at this stage as the below form will show each others contributions).

https://airtable.com/shrWVMiMudtwQn1ly

If tech is your thing then that's fine as it goes ... there have been many attempts at digitising beekeeping records at the hive - they nearly all fail because of the problems you and others have identified.

So ... they get reduced to be secondary copies of notes taken at the apiary in a traditional manner ... and what beekeeper has the time to spend duplicating a simple system of pencil and paper or laminated form and chinagraph pencil.

I don't see many bee farmers with an ipad or tablet doing apiary inspections ... their system tends to be the brick on the roof method which is even less demanding - keeping only records for treatments which have to be recorded.

 

[holmbee]

What's on your A4 form? I know you might not use it - but if others were too is there stuff on your form missing from mine:

https://airtable.com/shrAbf3HV7JazkGIg
It would help me ++ to know

I did once try a digital version but quickly gave up for similar reasons to above. Sorry I seem unable to attach my A4 file to send you.

 

[BugsInABox]

Anyone clicked on the link yet?

 

[IndiBee]

Yes, I have clicked your links. All looks good.
Thing with digitizing data is, its not just about collecting it. As stated, collecting on paper is ages old and works.
Digital data comes into its own when you can manipulate it later.
What kind of manipulation of the data do you have in mind?
Trends, patterns, warnings, alarms? What is it telling you that you didn't already know?
Until that type of goal is defined, its just a complicated bit of paper
I am racking my brain to think of something that wouldn't jump out at me when using the paper.
Match it up with weather data to tell you if a flow is on maybe. OK nice to know. Is it essential you know? Does it change a decision? This is the type of issue.

 

[BugsInABox]

Yes, I have clicked your links. All looks good.
Thing with digitizing data is, its not just about collecting it. As stated, collecting on paper is ages old and works.
Digital data comes into its own when you can manipulate it later.
What kind of manipulation of the data do you have in mind?
Trends, patterns, warnings, alarms? What is it telling you that you didn't already know?
Until that type of goal is defined, its just a complicated bit of paper
I am racking my brain to think of something that wouldn't jump out at me when using the paper.
Match it up with weather data to tell you if a flow is on maybe. OK nice to know. Is it essential you know? Does it change a decision? This is the type of issue.

Helpful ++ thanks.