Beta Testing Guide

🧪 Join the Beta Program

Join TestFlight Beta Testing →

Help us test the latest version of Wellbeing Mapper and provide valuable feedback before general release!

Requirements for Beta Testers

Developers’ Guide to Beta Testing and Release

Overview

The Wellbeing Mapper app is currently in beta testing phase. This document outlines the current beta configuration, how to prepare for the full research release, and what changes need to be made during the transition.

Current Beta Configuration

App Modes Available in Beta

  1. Private Mode đź”’
    • Personal wellbeing tracking only
    • Data stays on device
    • No data sharing with researchers
    • All features available for personal use
  2. App Testing Mode 🧪
    • Test all research features safely
    • Experience surveys and mapping functionality
    • NO real research data is collected
    • All responses stay local - nothing sent to servers
    • Allows users to familiarize themselves with research workflows

What’s Different in Beta vs. Full Release

Feature Beta Testing Full Research Release
Available Modes Private + App Testing Private + Research
Research Participation Simulated (no real data collection) Real research participation
Participant Codes Not required Required for research mode
Consent Forms Not shown (testing mode) Required for research mode
Data Upload Disabled (stays local) Enabled for research participants
Survey Responses Local testing only Sent to research servers
Encryption Not used in beta Full encryption for research data

Beta Testing Features

User Experience in Beta

Beta Indicators in UI

Preparing for Full Research Release

Required Code Changes

1. Update App Mode Configuration

File: lib/models/app_mode.dart

// Change this line from:
static const bool _isBetaPhase = true;

// To:
static const bool _isBetaPhase = false;

This single change will:

2. Restore Research Participation UI

File: lib/ui/participation_selection_screen.dart

  1. Update mode selection: 
    // Change back to:
String _selectedMode = 'private'; // 'private', 'research'
  2. Uncomment participant code section:
    • Remove comment blocks around _buildParticipantCodeSection() method
    • Restore participant code requirement in UI layout
  3. Update button text and flow: 
    // Change back to:
'Continue to Consent Form' // instead of 'Start App Testing'
  4. Restore research flow in _handleContinue():
    • Re-enable consent form navigation
    • Restore participant code validation
    • Remove app testing mode handling

3. Update Welcome Section

File: lib/ui/participation_selection_screen.dart

Remove beta version indicator:

// Remove this section from _buildWelcomeSection():
Container(
  // Beta testing notice - remove this entire container
),

4. Restore Research Contact Information

File: lib/ui/participation_selection_screen.dart

Update contact information:

// Change button text:
'Contact Research Team' // instead of 'Contact Development Team'

// Restore full research team contact info in dialog

5. Enable Encryption and Data Upload

Files: Various service files

Testing the Release Version

Pre-Release Checklist

Testing Research Mode

  1. Participant Code Testing:
    • Test with valid format codes (e.g., “GP2024-001”)
    • Test invalid format rejection
    • Test empty code validation
  2. Consent Flow Testing:
    • Verify consent form displays
    • Test all consent checkboxes
    • Test consent completion workflow
  3. Data Collection Testing:
    • Verify location tracking works
    • Test survey completion and upload
    • Verify encryption of uploaded data
    • Test bi-weekly notification schedule

Version Control Strategy

Beta Release Tags

Research Release Tags

Branch Strategy

Documentation Updates for Release

Files to Update

  1. README.md: Remove beta references, add research info
  2. DEVELOPER_GUIDE.md: Update app mode documentation
  3. USER_GUIDE.md: Add research participation instructions
  4. docs/index.md: Update from “beta testing” to “research ready”

Research Team Documentation

Support and Contacts

Beta Testing Phase

Research Release Phase

Timeline

Current Status: Beta Testing

Next Phase: Research Release

This guide ensures a smooth transition from beta testing to full research release while maintaining code quality and user experience.