Software Update. Version 2.5. Flash!

Hello!

We are pleased to announce the latest significant improvements to Optimism. The feedback to date has been overwhelmingly positive, so I hope you like the changes too.

Flash Charts
New charts give Optimism a well-deserved face-lift, with improved functionality, and heaps more flexibility for the display of data going forward. The Charts now show 10 records at a time instead of 7, they use rollover pop-ups to display exact chart values, and new windows replace scrolling to more easily view the checked records for a day.

Further improvements in the coming months will include expanded date ranges for taking a "birds-eye view" and the ability to display different fields in the Charts.

PDF of Charts
The PDF is now a 4 page "report" that includes the Charts and records for the Stay Well Strategies, Triggers and Symptoms in a grid format.

Customize Headings
The labels "Stay Well Strategies", "Triggers" and "Symptoms" can be changed in the Preferences window, which is then reflected in the Record panel. The Report and Charts panels will be modified to reflect this change in the next update.

Separate Path for Backup
You can specify a separate path for the backup file in the Preferences window, so that it doesn't reside in the same folder as your active database.

Small Fixes
On the Record panel some misalignment of markers to text values has been fixed. Two headings in export csv have been corrected.

Where to From Here?

Flash Charts
We will continue to work on the Charts as noted above. There will be lots of small improvements in a couple of weeks time.

New Modules
We have started working on modules for the data capture screen, for medicine and supplements. These will allow you to monitor the effects of changes in medicines or supplements, or their dosages. Other modules on the drawing board are weather, weight, heart rate, food, menstrual pattern, and more detailed mood tracking (3 times a day). The modules will be controlled from the Preferences, so you can display just the ones you want to. If you have suggestions for other modules please let me know.

A Call for Help!

In a few weeks time I'm giving a presentation on Optimism at a significant mental health conference in Australia. I would love to have a case study or two to help demonstrate the software's benefits using real data. If you are interested in helping please send me an email. It goes without saying that details will be treated in complete confidence.

I trust that you continue to find Optimism to be beneficial to you. As always, please contact me if you have suggestions or comments about the software.

Sincerely,

James Bishop