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In all the excitement of the holidays, our latest version of Kindara didn’t get the credit it was due! Just before the magical App Store elves went on vacation, they approved our latest version of Kindara, much to our excitement.

We have been using Localytics to keep track of how many people download the app, and how many of those become actual users (users who return and enter data week after week). After looking over the information we got from them, we thought it would be a great idea to provide a little instruction for first-time users so they won’t be discouraged or intimidated by our friendly little app.

Because we want to Kindara to be as accessible and useful as possible, we came up with this, our first tutorial, and added it to the app. That way, rather than just being dropped into the data screen, new users (who might not know anything about fertility charting at all) can get a better idea of how to use Kindara as soon as they download it. We think it’s a pretty good idea.

Here’s how it works:

Upon entering the Kindara app for the first time, a greyed-out image of the data screen, with all the relevant details of the app highlighted, will appear.

Tapping on any of the highlights will bring up a popup with a brief description, and in many cases a “Learn More” button that will bring up an article on that topic.

To see the other screens in tutorial mode tap on that tab in the menu bar. To exit the tutorial, simply tap the Exit button, and then you’ll be in the real version of the app.

What do you think of it? Love it? Hate it? Have any ideas for how we could improve it? Let me know in the comments.

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  Reply

  Diana

  12:49 pmJanuary 26, 2013

  This looks awesome!!! I know I was pretty confused the first time I opened up Kindara! :) Does it explain how to use the peak day buttons and such? That was the most confusing to me and I know how to chart!

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    Reply

    Kati Bicknell

    8:37 amJanuary 29, 2013

    Hi Diana,

    I’m sorry you were confused! Does the tutorial help? Let me know if you like it, or if you don’t like it. We want to make sure everyone knows how to use the app! Yes, the tutorial does explain Peak Day and such. :)

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      Diana

      10:26 pmJanuary 31, 2013

      I just tried out the tutorial. Super helpful! And I’m glad it’s always there available so I can go back if I forget something! :) Thanks!

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        Kati Bicknell

        5:08 amFebruary 1, 2013

        Yay! Thanks Diana! In the next version we are going to release a new tutorial, and the one we have now will be renamed “Feature Map” but it will still always be available.

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  Reply

  Ali

  9:56 amFebruary 7, 2013

  I thought this app gave you predictions on when you’re ovulation/fertile window might be but I’m sot seeing it anywhere (and new to charting in general) if you can give any help or advice! Thanks!!

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    Reply

    Kati Bicknell

    10:55 amFebruary 7, 2013

    Hi Ali,

    Nope! Kindara does not give predictions about when the fertile window might occur. Apps that do that are based on…. wait for it… THE RHYTHM METHOD! Which is not an accurate way to manage one’s reproductive health. The rhythm method uses past cycles to predict future fertility, and as each woman’s cycle is unique, and has the capacity to change from month to month, using the rhythm method is not very reliable or effective. Kindara is based on the Symptothermal Method, also called the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM), which is MUCH more effective. When using FAM a woman charts her primary fertility signs every day, so she will KNOW with certainty if she’s considered fertile that day, or not. It’s really cool! For more information on the Fertility Awareness Method, check out this post.

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      Ali

      11:21 amFebruary 7, 2013

      Ok great thank you I’ll check it out! I’m pretty new to all of this so trying to figure a lot of things out and try not to screw anything up!! It’s harder then I thought It’d be.

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        Reply

        Kati Bicknell

        2:43 pmFebruary 7, 2013

        Hi Ali,

        Yes, there is a lot to learn, when first starting out, as we’re never taught any of this stuff when we first get our periods. That’s when it would be so useful! But it’s all totally learnable, and I’m here as a resource, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask.

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          Ali

          8:01 amFebruary 8, 2013

          Coming off of 10+ years on the pill and trying to set my body straight. I stopped taking birth control about 3 months ago and bleed almost every time during intercourse. Does that sound normal? I’m wondering if the lack of hormone is irritating my cervix. It’s hard trying to figure out your body and not just rely on medication!

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          Kati Bicknell

          6:12 pmFebruary 8, 2013

          Hi Ali,

          Congrats on taking such a big step! Getting off the pill is great thing to do for your body, though the transition period can be a bit uncomfortable, as your body adjusts to having its own natural cycle again. When getting off the pill lots of women experience strange symptoms like spotting, short luteal phases, and cervical fluid patterns that don’t seem to make sense. Most times things will return to normal within a few months, though sometimes it takes longer. If the bleeding continues though, this is something to discuss with your doctor.

          It can certainly feel hard to figure out one’s body, instead of relying on medication, but with some patience and curiosity, soon you’ll have a handle on it, and hopefully feel calm and certain about what’s going on in your body. It will be great!

          Best of luck!