Last updated on Jul 7, 2024

Here's how you can streamline the feedback and evaluation process for application developers.

Feedback is the lifeblood of application development, providing the insights needed to refine and improve your product. However, without a streamlined process, feedback can become a source of frustration rather than a tool for growth. By optimizing how you gather, analyze, and act on feedback, you can enhance the quality of your applications and the efficiency of your development cycle. This article will guide you through practical steps to streamline the feedback and evaluation process, ensuring that your team can focus on what they do best: creating outstanding applications.

1 Gather Wisely

The first step in streamlining feedback is to gather it efficiently. Create a centralized system where users can easily submit their thoughts and experiences. This can be an in-app feature, a dedicated email address, or a form on your website. Ensure it's accessible and user-friendly, so even the least tech-savvy users can provide their input. By consolidating feedback in one place, you'll reduce the time spent tracking down comments across various platforms and can quickly identify common issues or suggestions.

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Ashutosh Deshmukh

Mobile app Architect | AWS Certified Solution Architect - Professional | PMI-ACP | PMI-PMP |
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Implementing the feature in the app, which the user can use to submit their feedback probably varies depending on the application. One of the popular choices is to use UserVoice SDK. So, if you have a mobile app, you can integrate UserVoice's mobile SDK to collect feedback and suggestions from users within the app. In the app, we can add buttons that allow users to report issues or suggest features, which trigger UserVoice's feedback form. Another way to collect feedback can be by using Use UserVoice to create surveys that appear within the app, gathering feedback on specific features or experiences. If you have a web app then we can embed UserVoice's feedback widget on your website, allowing users to provide feedback and suggestions.

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Steffen Jäckel

Digitaler Enthusiast und begeistert über die Technologien von morgen! Let’s grow together and create value!
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There are numerous tools for efficiently collecting feedback. Atlassian Jira is a popular choice, but a well-structured Excel spreadsheet can also be very effective if you don't have software in the context of agile project management. Furthermore, It is important to document identified impediments after the retrospective. Then, prioritize them and integrate them into the following sprints. This structured approach ensures that feedback for improvement is also being implemented and your retrospective wasn't for nothing.

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2 Analyze Smartly

Once feedback is collected, it's crucial to analyze it effectively. Develop a system for categorizing feedback into types, such as bugs, feature requests, or usability concerns. Use tools or software that can help you sort and prioritize input based on severity or frequency. This will allow you to address the most critical issues first and plan your development cycle accordingly. Regularly reviewing feedback trends can also help you anticipate user needs and guide future updates.

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3 Engage Continuously

Engagement with your user base is key to obtaining valuable feedback. Encourage users to share their experiences by making it clear that their input is not only welcome but also integral to the development process. Show appreciation for their time and insights, and maintain an open line of communication. When users see their suggestions being implemented, they're more likely to continue contributing, creating a virtuous cycle of feedback and improvement.

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4 Iterate Rapidly

Incorporating feedback into your development process should be swift to keep pace with user expectations. Adopt agile development practices that allow for rapid iteration based on user input. Break down updates into smaller, manageable pieces that can be quickly deployed. This not only satisfies users by promptly addressing their concerns but also keeps your team agile and responsive to change.

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5 Measure Progress

To ensure that the changes you make are having the desired impact, establish clear metrics for success. These could include user retention rates, app stability metrics, or customer satisfaction scores. Regularly measure these against your goals to gauge the effectiveness of your updates. By quantifying the results of incorporating feedback, you can make data-driven decisions about future development priorities.

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Shabarinath Chandrashekhar

Head of Engineering & Delivery, Data Architecture & AI, Cloud Computing, Fullstack I CISSP l PMP l 2x AWS I 2x Azure l 2x ISC2 I 2x Databricks l CKA l Transforming Businesses adopting Cloud, Data & AI at scale
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I would use the below Production system stability Production Sanity test defect count Post Implementation defect count Post release review and new lessons learnt

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6 Refine Continuously

Finally, remember that streamlining feedback is an ongoing process. Continuously refine your methods based on what works best for your team and your users. Stay adaptable and open to new tools and techniques that can enhance the feedback loop. As your application evolves, so too should your approach to gathering and implementing user insights.

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Steffen Jäckel

Digitaler Enthusiast und begeistert über die Technologien von morgen! Let’s grow together and create value!
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Retrospectives should take place regularly and these should result in action items that are integrated into subsequent sprints. Depending on the length of the impediment backlog, teams can consider dedicating a percentage of each sprint to resolving their action items. This not only improves the development process, but also ensures that the team is continuously adapting and developing. Furthermore, these digital cleanup processes are extremely liberating and boost morale and motivation within the team, when identified impediments really resolved.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can streamline the feedback and evaluation process for application developers.

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1 Gather Wisely

2 Analyze Smartly

3 Engage Continuously

4 Iterate Rapidly

5 Measure Progress

6 Refine Continuously

7 Here’s what else to consider

Application Development

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