FAQ - New Observer Interface

FAQ - New Observer Interface

With the new observer interface, we are providing a modernized and more user-friendly view for observers.

This FAQ contains the most important information about the transition, the transition phase, as well as changes and new features.
What specific benefits does the new observer interface offer observers?

Usability has been significantly improved.

In addition, the new observer interface is technically more modern and enables more stable and reliable use.

Furthermore, by providing the new observer interface, our internal resources can once again be invested more strongly in new features and product requests in the future.


Will there be a transition phase?

Yes. The transition phase will last six months, until the end of November.

During this period, both the previous and the new observer interface will be available. After the six-month transition phase has ended, the previous observer interface will be discontinued.


Can the old and new observer interfaces be used in parallel?
Yes. Both observer interfaces can be used in parallel during the transition phase until November 30, 2026.
How can observers decide whether they want to use the new or the old observer interface?
After logging in, both buttons are available in the menu at the top of the screen. Both observer interfaces can be accessed in parallel until November 2026. The “Observer Interface” button leads to the previous interface, while “Observe Beta” takes you to the new view.
How can I tell which observer interface I am currently using?

You are using the previous observer interface if the URL looks, for example, like this:

https://test.applysia.app/observer_view/assessments

You are using the new observer interface if the URL contains the addition “next”, for example:

Are there any changes regarding offline use or unstable internet connections?

Yes. If the internet connection is unstable, data entered within the new observer interface is temporarily stored locally on the device.

As soon as a stable connection is available again, this data is automatically synchronized.

Important: In the case of an unstable connection, interruptions may still occur during consolidation and conference processes. Pure offline use of the software is still not possible due to data synchronization requirements.


Does the new observer interface still work on tablets/iPads?

Yes. Regardless of the device on which the web app is accessed, it remains available as long as there is an active internet connection.

However, the new version is browser-based and no longer optimized exclusively for the iPad. As a result, it can be used on all tablets.


Does anything change if I have previously used the iPad app?
In the future, the browser-based Applysia observer interface will also be used on iPads. A separate iPad app will no longer be offered in the long term. However, the observer interface can be used as a Progressive Web App.

Will the observer interface still open in a separate tab?
No. The new observer interface will no longer open in a separate browser tab. Instead, users will switch directly between the administration interface and the observer interface within the active tab.
How will I switch between the administration interface and the observer interface in the future?

By clicking the “Observe” button, the new observer interface opens directly. There is no switch to a different page, which means that a separate switch back is not required.

Until the previous observer interface is discontinued, it can still be opened via the “Observer Interface” button.


Does anything change regarding saved ratings when switching from the old observer interface to the new one or vice versa?
No.
Can both interfaces be accessed with one login?

Yes. One login is sufficient to use both interfaces.


Does the candidate portal remain unchanged?

Yes. There are no changes to the candidate portal.


Does anything change regarding my existing assessments or data?

No. Data within the assessment remains unchanged.


Does anything change regarding the display of competencies or exercises?

Yes. The display has been optimized in terms of clarity and usability.

In the new observer interface, scale points and their individual labels will be displayed below each other.


Is there new navigation within an assessment during execution?

No. The familiar process remains the same. However, there are minimal adjustments to the menu navigation.


Does anything change regarding the synchronization of ratings?

Yes. Ratings are now synchronized live in the new interface.

As soon as a rating is submitted, it is saved directly in the system, for example when selecting a scale point during assessment. Consolidation is still carried out manually.

Important: An active and stable internet connection is required for this.


Will all previous functions remain available?

With a few exceptions, all essential functions will remain available.

One exception is the detailed view of behavioral anchor ratings, accessible via the “Exercise Ratings” button within the conference. This function is not yet available in the new observer interface.

At the time of publication of the beta observer interface, the option to write notes by hand has not yet been implemented.


Are there any functions that have different names or are located elsewhere?

No. All functions for configuring the assessment remain within the administration interface.


Are there any new functions available directly at release?

Yes. With the release of the new observer interface, multi-factor authentication (MFA) will also be introduced. This makes Applysia even more secure.

As another new feature, ratings can now be withdrawn during assessment, and observers can also be assigned a color marking.

In addition, the settings menu has been adjusted. The settings now appear identical for observers and admins. This does not change any permissions or roles.


Does anything change regarding user roles or permissions?

No.


Are there any changes for silent observers?

No. There are no additional changes for silent observers as a result of the observer interface optimization.


Do observers need to be trained again?

In general, renewed training for observers is not required.

Nevertheless, we recommend testing the process together with the observers before using it in a live setting.


Do internal training materials need to be updated?

If you use internal training materials, we recommend reviewing them and updating the content where necessary.

To ensure that observers continue to receive all necessary information, we have already updated our support portal and provide user guides for the new observer interface there. We are already working on creating a dedicated guide specifically for observers in the future.


Do browser settings or pop-up blockers need to be adjusted?

For the use of Applysia, it should still be ensured that firewalls or security settings allow access to our website or web app.

Since the new observer interface no longer opens in a separate browser tab, potential restrictions caused by pop-up blockers are reduced.


Are there any changes to billing or licensing?
No.
Does anything change regarding usage behavior or the counting of users for licensing?
No.
Are there any changes regarding data protection or data storage?

No. There are no changes regarding data protection or data storage.

In addition, multi-factor authentication (MFA) will be introduced with the new observer interface.


 

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