> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.didge.io/home/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.didge.io/home/checkpoint-structure/data-acquisition/data-acquisition-and-user-behaviour.md).

# Data Acquisition & User Behaviour

Didge Design Guide – Data Acquisition & User Behaviour

***

### Purpose of This Document

This document defines how Data Acquisition and User Behaviour should be designed, documented, and implemented within the Didge platform.

It establishes a shared mental model for:

* how data enters the system
* what behaviour is expected from users
* how technology supports that behaviour
* how configuration enables correct execution

This guide is internal-facing and is intended for:

* product and domain leads
* implementation and solution design teams
* engineers and QA
* training and onboarding teams

***

### Why Data Acquisition Needs Its Own Design Layer

In Didge, most failures do not occur because of missing features, but because of a misalignment between real-world behaviour and system design.

Examples:

* staff are too busy to take photos at the moment of disposal
* disposal happens in different physical locations
* weighing may occur later or elsewhere

Data Acquisition design ensures that:

* the system fits operational reality
* users are not forced into unnatural workflows
* data remains accurate even under pressure

***

### Position in the Didge Design Framework

Data Acquisition sits between checkpoints and forms.

> Packages define outcomes

> Checkpoints define controls

> Data Acquisition defines behaviour

> Forms define data structure

> Configuration makes it executable

This layer describes *how* a control is executed in the real world.

***

### What Data Acquisition Is (and Is Not)

#### Data Acquisition IS:

* behaviour-focused
* scenario-based
* technology-aware
* tolerant of operational variability

#### Data Acquisition IS NOT:

* UI or screen design
* form field specification
* technical implementation detail

***

### Core Concept: Data Acquisition Scenarios

All data enters Didge through Data Acquisition Scenarios.

A scenario describes:

* when data is captured
* who captures it
* what they physically do
* how they interact with technology

Scenarios are designed before forms and configuration.

***

### The Four Layers of Data Acquisition

Every scenario must address four distinct layers.

#### 1. Intent

Why the data is being captured.

#### 2. Human Behaviour

What the person does in the real world.

#### 3. Technology Interaction

How the person uses Didge, CamPro, or other tools.

#### 4. System Preconditions

What must already be configured for this to work.

Keeping these layers separate prevents confusion.

***

### Data Acquisition Behaviour Sheet (Standard Template)

The following template must be used to document each Data Acquisition Scenario.

***

#### 1. Data Being Acquired

Checkpoint:

Purpose:

***

#### 2. Acquisition Scenario

Scenario Name:

When this occurs:

***

#### 3. Required Human Behaviour

Describe what the person does in the physical world.

***

#### 4. Technology Interaction

Describe how the user interacts with:

* CamPro
* Didge mobile app
* Didge web platform

Avoid UI-level detail.

***

#### 5. Supported Acquisition Methods

List all allowed capture methods:

* ☐ Image-based capture
* ☐ Manual entry (mobile)
* ☐ Manual entry (web)
* ☐ Post-event entry

***

#### 6. Validation & Guardrails

Define what is required for submission:

* mandatory fields
* AI confidence thresholds
* prompts for missing data

***

#### 7. System Preconditions

Define what must exist before this scenario can work:

* configured locations
* categories
* units of measurement
* user access

***

#### 8. Failure & Fallback Behaviour

Describe what happens when:

* capture is missed
* image cannot be taken
* weight is unavailable

***

#### 9. Data Outcome

Describe what the system produces:

* records created
* flags applied
* reporting availability

***

### Design Rules (Non-Negotiable)

* Behaviour drives system design, not the other way around
* Post-event entry must be supported where operationally necessary
* Data quality must be protected through validation, not user discipline
* AI assists, but manual fallback must always exist
* Scenarios must be testable by QA

***

### How This Is Used in Practice

1. Package defines *what must be measured*
2. Checkpoint defines *what control exists*
3. Data Acquisition Scenarios define *how data enters the system*
4. Forms and configuration are aligned to these scenarios
5. QA tests each scenario end-to-end

***

### Common Mistakes to Avoid

* designing forms without understanding behaviour
* assuming capture always happens in real time
* forcing image capture when operationally unrealistic
* hiding fallback paths

***

### Intended Use

This document establishes the standard approach for designing Data Acquisition in Didge.

All new packages and checkpoints must consider Data Acquisition Scenarios before implementation.


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