Getting Started with Question Types

Accessing Question Types

The Question Types module is accessible through the main navigation menu and provides a comprehensive interface for managing different types of questions that can be used in inspection templates.

Navigation Steps

Main Menu Access: Navigate to the Question Types section from the main menu
Question Type Tabs: You'll see tabs for different choice-based question types
Configuration Options: Each tab contains specific question type configurations

Question Types Overview

The Question Types module provides a comprehensive system for managing different types of questions that can be used in inspection templates. It includes various question types ranging from simple text inputs to complex choice-based questions with scoring capabilities, validation rules, and specialized input formats.

Key Capabilities

Multiple Question Categories: Text-based, choice-based, and specialized question types
Scoring Systems: Point-based scoring, weighted scoring, and conditional scoring
Validation Rules: Required field validation, format validation, and custom validation
Choice Management: Multiple choice, picture choice, emoji choice, and dropdown options
Specialized Formats: Date/time, media uploads, signatures, location, and rating scales
Integration Features: Resource linking, workflow integration, and notification systems

Question Type Categories

The Question Types module organizes questions into three main categories, each designed for specific use cases and data collection requirements.

Text-Based Question Types

Text-based questions are designed for collecting textual information and include various specialized formats for different data types.

Short Text: Single-line text input for names, titles, and brief descriptions
Long Text: Multi-line text input for detailed descriptions and comments
Document Number: Document reference numbers with format validation
Phone Number: Phone number input with format validation and country code support
Email: Email address input with format validation
Website: Website URL input with URL validation
Number: Numeric input with range validation and decimal support
Currency: Currency amount input with currency formatting

Choice-Based Question Types

Choice-based questions allow users to select from predefined options and include advanced features like scoring and flagging.

Multiple Choice: Single or multiple selection from predefined options with scoring
Picture Choice: Selection based on images with visual identification
Emoji Choice: Selection using emoji representations for quick responses
DropDown Choice: Selection from dropdown list with searchable options

Specialized Question Types

Specialized question types are designed for specific use cases and include advanced functionality for complex data collection.

CheckBox: Boolean true/false selection for yes/no questions
Date and Time: Date and time input with various format options
Media: File upload and media attachment with preview capabilities
Slider: Range-based input using slider for ratings and measurements
Signature: Digital signature capture for approvals and compliance
Location: Geographic location input with GPS integration
Rating: Rating scale input for satisfaction surveys and evaluations
Resource: Resource selection and linking for equipment identification
Instruction: Instructional text display for guidelines and procedures

User Interface Overview

The Question Types interface is designed to be intuitive and powerful, providing easy access to all question type features while supporting complex configuration workflows.

Main Interface Elements

Question Type Tabs: Organized tabs for different question type categories
Configuration Panels: Detailed configuration options for each question type
Choice Management: Interface for managing choice options and settings
Scoring Configuration: Setup of scoring systems and evaluation criteria

Navigation Structure

Question Type Overview: List of all available question types
Category Navigation: Navigate between text-based, choice-based, and specialized types
Configuration Interface: Detailed configuration for each question type
Choice Management: Management of choice options and responses

Question Type Features

Each question type includes specific features and capabilities designed for optimal data collection and user experience.

Common Features

Required Field Validation: Ensure critical information is captured
Format Validation: Validate input formats for specific data types
Scoring Capability: Point-based scoring for choice questions
Flagging System: Flag responses for special attention
Integration Support: Integration with workflows and other modules

Advanced Features

Conditional Logic: Show/hide questions based on previous answers
Resource Linking: Link questions to specific resources
Media Support: Support for images, files, and media attachments
Geographic Integration: GPS and location-based features
Digital Signatures: Capture and verify digital signatures
Real-time Validation: Immediate validation feedback

Getting Started Checklist

Follow this checklist to get started with Question Types effectively:

Prerequisites

✓ Ensure you have question type permissions
✓ Familiarize yourself with inspection template creation
✓ Understand your organization's data collection needs
✓ Review available question type categories

Initial Setup

✓ Access the Question Types module
✓ Review existing question type configurations
✓ Understand the different question type categories
✓ Learn about validation and scoring options

First Question Configuration

✓ Choose appropriate question type for your data needs
✓ Configure basic question properties and validation
✓ Set up choice options if using choice-based questions
✓ Configure scoring and flagging if applicable
✓ Test the question configuration

Advanced Configuration

✓ Explore specialized question types for complex needs
✓ Configure conditional logic and branching
✓ Set up integration with workflows and resources
✓ Implement advanced validation and scoring
✓ Optimize question design for user experience

Best Practices for Question Types

Follow these best practices to create effective question configurations:

Question Design

Clear and Concise: Write clear, understandable questions
Appropriate Type: Choose the right question type for the data
Logical Flow: Organize questions in logical order
User-friendly: Design questions for easy completion

Validation Design

Appropriate Validation: Use validation that matches the data type
Clear Error Messages: Provide helpful error messages
User Guidance: Guide users to correct input
Performance Consideration: Balance validation with performance

Choice Configuration

Comprehensive Options: Provide all necessary options
Clear Labels: Use clear, descriptive labels
Logical Ordering: Order options logically
Visual Consistency: Maintain visual consistency

Integration Planning

Workflow Consideration: Plan integration with workflows
Data Flow: Plan how data flows through the system
Performance Impact: Consider performance implications
Scalability: Design for future growth

Next Steps

Now that you understand the basics of Question Types, you can:

Explore Question Categories: Learn about different question type categories and their capabilities
Configure Text-Based Questions: Set up various text input types for data collection
Set Up Choice Questions: Configure choice-based questions with scoring and flagging
Implement Specialized Types: Use specialized question types for complex requirements

The Question Types module provides powerful tools for creating comprehensive inspection templates. Start with simple question types and gradually explore more advanced features as you become comfortable with the system capabilities.