1. Templates and Samples
In Version 7.2 we modified the open file dialogue to include Templates and Sample files with the goal of helping new users. Samples are fully build files with simulated votes. This is the place to start if you're a new user. Templates are patterns that can be followed to build your own file and they include place holder text (e.g. Risk No.1) and do not contain votes.
After you choose one of the four options you will be shown a list of files (icons). Clicking on any icon will display the Session Statement. This will help you see information related to your files.
There are two types of Templates: "Standard" and "My Templates". .
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Standard Templates - These are provided by Resolver to demonstrate some of the typical ways that Ballot is used by clients. Using one of the theses templates is a great way to get started with Ballot.
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My Templates - This list is typically empty on install but is intended for you to be able to build and store your own templates. To add to the "My Templates" list simply copy files into the target folder, usually "Documents/Resolver Ballot/Templates".
2. Heat map and all other charts pushed to remote users
In version 7.1 of Resolver Ballot we introduced the ability to share the results of the vote with remote participants. In this release (7.2) we enabled sharing of all other charts. This includes the Heat Map (Scatter Chart), Column Chart, Column Chart stacked, Line Chart, and Voter Distribution.
3. Trial version with online purchase launched
In Resolver Ballot version 7.2 we introduced a free 14-day trial. Simply sign-up online, and download the software. You will recieve an email with your activation information. Once you've completed the trial, or at any point you can choose to purchase Ballot online with a credit card.
4. Email or access code everywhere
In version 7.2 we have added the ability to log-in, activate software, and attend a meeting with the operator's emaill address or the access code. This makes login much easier for those of us who hate to remember random strings of numbers. The access code is still supported for people who have very long email addresses, or who just find the access code easier.
5. Rank/Score option for Paired Comparison Ranking
The Paired Comparison Ranking criteria has been expanded to support both Ranks and Scores. PCR is always used to create an ordered list of items that are tightly grouped. There are two common ways of evaluating which item should be at the top of the list:
- Rank - The top of the list will be #1 (all items in the list will be ranked from 1 to n). This works well when you would like to see the top m out of n items. (m <n) For example, if there are 10 risks in the ballot file and you want to know the top 5, then PCR can be used to create a ranked list where #1 is the biggest risk and #5 is the 5th biggest risk. - Score – The top of the list will be # n, all items in the list will have a score. A larger score means that option was picked more often. This is less frequently desired, but is the legacy scoring process used by Ballot for PCR. - Charts – When the PCR criteria is displayed in a chart it ALWAYS displays as a score. This is because the PCR criteria is almost always: bigger / higher importance / higher impact / better opportunity and therefore in a chart the top value should be displayed as a big number(at the top of the scale)
6. Color grid expanded to Custom Grid
The old “Color Grid” functionality enabled users to build a custom grid for the scatter chart background, picking the number and color of cells. This option has been replaced by an option called the “Custom Grid”. The new “Custom Grid” supports a couple of nice new features:
- Configurable grid size - The background grid can be any number of cells ranging from 2-10 (i.e. 2x2 to 10x10). This supports the traditional ERM heat map where columns of data are aligned with the scales. - Configurable Colors - Each cell can be custom colored as desired. This is great for customers who would like to bias the scale towards one criteria (e.g IMPACT is weighted higher than LIKELIHOOD) - On /Between Scales The grid lines can be aligned with the scale values (e.g. 1, 2, 3…) or in-between the scale values, (e.g. 0.5, 1.5, 2.5…) This functionality enables the traditional ERM heat map with data between scales.
7. Full UI re-work of web voting
The participant user interface for web voting has been completely revamped. You can see some of the key changes from version 7.1 in the attached pictures. Version 7.2 includes a "card" concept where all questions and images are displayed on an elevated card in the center of the screen. Transitions between images and questions are now faded to improve the overall effect.
iPad Screenshot version 7.1:
iPad Screenshot version 7.2:
8. Group Name displayed in Voting Screen
In response to many requests we have added an option to display the group name while voting. In the Voting screen navigate to the View menu and select "Show Item Group Text" The Group Text, in this case "Increase Revenue"
9. Relationship Modelling
In Version 7.2 we updated the relationship modelling criteria to include all combinations. This of course increases the number of questions asked to form the model, but improves the quality of the results.
10. Community Update
Two new articles of note have been added to the community, these articles are designed to assist new Ballot users with their initial uses of the software. Hint: Great resources for users on 14-day trial.
- Getting started with Ballot - An overview of basic navigation in Ballot using the Risk Assessment Template file.
- Making your first file - A step by step process to building your first Ballot file using the built in Guide.
11. Bug Fixes
- Criteria Data Bug - In certain scenarios voting results for a particular criteria data could be hidden from view due to a criteria ordering problem. This problem has been fixed.
- Merge Files - The merge ballot files functionality was restricted to version 6.X which created a problem in version 7.x. This problem has been fixed.
- Chart Data remembered after file close/re-open - In earlier versions settings made in the Chart Data menu would be forgotten on file close requiring re-work when the file was re-opened. This problem has been fixed.
- Relationship Modelling Screen Layout - In earlier versions the layout of the Relationship Model would be forgotten on exit requiring re-work when the file was re-opened. This problem has been fixed.
- Save As - In version 7.1 the default file save version was version 6. This problem has been fixed.
- Double-click to Open a Ballot File - In Version 7 the dialog to open a file on application launch has been disabled when a file is double clicked. This means you can now, finally, open Ballot and the file by double clicking on the file.