Investigating And Resolving Unexpected Loading Times In VA Mobile App

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a tricky issue we've been facing with the VA mobile app: unexpectedly high loading times reported on the home screen. As stakeholders, we know how crucial it is to accurately track these metrics, so we can really understand how loading times impact user experience. Let's break down the problem, explore the potential causes, and figure out how to nail down a solution.

The Mystery of the Slow Loading Times

So, what's the deal? Well, the loading times we're seeing from events on the home screen are way higher than we anticipated. We're talking load times stretching from a minute to, believe it or not, even days, with some reports showing average load times clocking in at several hours. That's a huge red flag, and it's clear we need to get to the bottom of this ASAP.

To get a clearer picture, we've been digging into the data using Google Analytics. You can check out the exploration here: https://analytics.google.com/analytics/web/?authuser=0&hl=en-US#/analysis/p265787033/edit/sazpnDuaTtSNBPG_K_RehQ. This exploration gives you a hands-on look at what we're seeing and the magnitude of the issue. We're trying to connect the dots and understand why these times are so inflated, because accurate data is the bedrock of informed decisions and strategic improvements.

We even consulted with Jamie Stutt, our GA guru, who confirmed that the custom dimensions and metrics appear to be set up correctly. This means the problem likely isn't in the setup, but rather in how the times are being collected. So, the hunt is on to find the real culprit behind these crazy loading times! We're looking at the possibility that something in our event tracking is causing a miscalculation, inflating these times and giving us an inaccurate picture of user experience.

Potential Culprits Behind the Time Warp

Okay, so if the setup isn't the issue, what could be causing these inflated loading times? We've brainstormed a few possibilities:

• Users Navigating Mid-Load: Imagine a user taps on something on the home screen, triggering a load. But, impatient as we all can be, they navigate to another screen before the initial load is fully complete. This could be throwing our timer for a loop, causing it to keep running and report a much longer time than the actual load time. This is particularly concerning because it highlights a potential flaw in how we track events that span across user interactions.
• The Case of the Double-Firing Event: Another suspect is the event firing more than once. If the event that tracks loading time fires multiple times, and the time comparison is based on the initial load, we could end up with some seriously inflated numbers. Think of it like this: if the timer starts at the beginning of the first event but doesn't stop until a subsequent event, it will incorrectly measure the cumulative time across multiple sessions or interactions. We're checking to see if this is a widespread problem, or if there are specific scenarios where this double-firing is more likely to occur.

To put it simply, if the loading time timer does not turn off correctly, it leads to a big misunderstanding of the data. We're scrutinizing the code and event triggers to understand if these scenarios are indeed the source of our data discrepancies.

Digging Deeper: Identifying the Root Cause

Our main goal now is to pinpoint the exact cause of these inflated loading times. To do this, we will dive deep into the application code and the event tracking implementation. We will methodically test the application under various conditions, such as simulating user navigation during load times and closely monitoring event firing patterns. This detailed examination should reveal any inconsistencies or bugs in our tracking mechanisms.

We are also planning to use debugging tools to observe real-time event data, which will help us understand the sequence and timing of events as they occur during user interactions. This hands-on approach will provide a granular view of the event flow and highlight any anomalies that could contribute to inaccurate loading time measurements. Additionally, we will perform rigorous testing on different devices and network conditions to ensure that our findings are consistent across various user environments. This comprehensive testing strategy will help us identify the core issues with our loading time tracking and pave the way for effective solutions.

Acceptance Criteria: Our Roadmap to Resolution

To make sure we're on the right track, we've set a clear acceptance criterion:

• Identify the cause and create a follow-up ticket for the fix if necessary. This means we're not just looking to understand the what, but also the why behind these inflated loading times. Once we've pinpointed the root cause, we'll create a detailed ticket outlining the issue and the steps needed to resolve it. This will ensure that the fix is properly documented and can be tracked through our development process. Our goal is not just to patch the problem, but to implement a sustainable solution that prevents future inaccuracies.

This acceptance criterion serves as a compass, guiding our investigation and ensuring that we focus our efforts on tangible outcomes. It’s a commitment to not only identify the problem but also to proactively address it, reinforcing our dedication to providing a seamless user experience.

The Next Steps: Charting a Course for a Fix

Once we've identified the cause of the problem, the next step is to create a follow-up ticket. This ticket will serve as the blueprint for the fix, outlining the specific steps needed to resolve the issue. It will include all the relevant details, such as the root cause, the affected code or configurations, and the proposed solution. Creating a detailed ticket is crucial for several reasons. First, it ensures that everyone on the team is on the same page and understands the problem and the plan for fixing it. Second, it provides a clear roadmap for the developers who will be implementing the fix. Third, it serves as a record of the issue and the resolution, which can be valuable for future reference.

In the ticket, we'll likely include specific scenarios or test cases that the fix should address. This will help ensure that the solution is robust and effectively resolves the problem in all relevant situations. We'll also outline any potential side effects or considerations that need to be taken into account during the implementation. This thorough approach to documenting the fix will minimize the risk of introducing new issues and ensure that the solution is as effective as possible. We see this ticket as a crucial communication tool and a cornerstone of our problem-solving process, fostering collaboration and accountability within the team.

Conclusion: Optimizing User Experience Through Precise Data

In conclusion, tackling these unexpected loading times is a top priority for us. We understand that accurate data is the cornerstone of effective decision-making, especially when it comes to user experience. By diligently investigating the potential causes, from user navigation patterns to event firing mechanisms, we're committed to uncovering the root of the issue.

Our detailed exploration using Google Analytics, coupled with insights from GA experts like Jamie Stutt, underscores our proactive approach to problem-solving. The acceptance criteria we’ve established—identifying the cause and creating a follow-up ticket for the fix—will guide our efforts and ensure we stay focused on tangible outcomes. This methodical approach not only aims to resolve the immediate problem but also to enhance our overall data collection processes, ensuring we can accurately gauge user experience in the future.

Ultimately, our goal is to provide a seamless and efficient experience for our users. By addressing these loading time discrepancies, we're not just fixing a technical issue; we're reinforcing our commitment to user satisfaction and trust. This proactive approach ensures that our VA mobile app continues to serve as a reliable and user-friendly tool for veterans. We believe that by focusing on data accuracy and user experience, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who rely on our services.

So, stay tuned as we continue to investigate and work towards a solution. We'll keep you updated on our progress! This isn't just about fixing a bug; it's about ensuring our users have the best possible experience with the VA mobile app. Let's get this done, team!