Request a Feature

Canny.io is a new web-based tool to submit requests for new features and functionality, and for the School of Medicine (SOM) Web Team to communicate more transparently about the status of those requests.

Quick Reference

Canny.io is simple to use, and the basic process can be summed up with the following steps, but please read the documentation on the tabs below before starting.

  1. Sign in with the account you use for Google Analytics or create one using your Duke email account (See Getting Started).
  2. Familiarize yourself with the Canny.io interface (See Overview Page & Main Page).
  3. Search the existing requests to see if someone has added a similar request (See Search for an Existing Request).
  4. If you find an existing request, add a comment to provide any additional details you have observed (See Read & Add Comments to a Request).
  5. Otherwise, create a new request that includes example links and a screenshot, if possible (See Create a Request).
Canny.io header with login link
Figure 1: Canny.io header with login link
  • Navigate to https://documentation.medschool.duke.edu/feedback.
  • Before using the feedback system, press the Login in link in the top right corner of the page (see Figure 1 above).
  • You do not need to create an account for Canny.io Instead, click the Google button on the login form and sign in with the account you use for Google Analytics (see Figure 2 below).
Google login button
Figure 2: Select the Google login button
  • If you do not have a Google account, you can create one.
  • Be sure to click use my current email address instead and use your Duke email address (see Figure 3 below).
Google account sign up
Figure 3: If necessary, create a Google account using your Duke email address.
Canny.io interface overview
Canny.io overview page

Canny.io provides an overview page, detailed below.

  1. Log in link: Always log in before using the system.
  2. Active requests link: Click to view and search all active requests or add new request.
  3. Number of active requests: Total number of requests that we are currently working on
  4. List of requests with the Planned status: See Search for an Existing Request for more information about statuses.
  5. List of requests with the In Progress status: See Search for an Existing Request for more information about statuses.
  6. List of requests with the Completed status: See Search for an Existing Request for more information about statuses.

While the overview page is a useful quick reference, you'll generally want to login and click Requests to see all active requests or post your own.

Canny.io main interface
Figure 1: Canny.io main interface

 The Canny.io main page is divided in to two columns. The Create a Request form appears in the left column. The second column contains a list of all active requests and search and filter tools to narrow the list.

  1. Create a Request form: a form to send us new feature requests. See Create a Request for more details.
  2. Sort & Filter by Status: tools to sort and filter the active request list. See Search for an Existing Request for more details.
  3. Sort by Category: tools to sort and filter the active request list. See Search for an Existing Request for more details.
  4. Search all requests: Searches all requests for your term(s).
  5. Active Requests: shows a list of all active requests.

Parts of a request

Canny.io, a request in list view explained
Figure 2: a request in list view explained.
  1. Upvote button: Use the upvote button to indicate your support of a request.
  2. Request title: a concise title with useful keywords
  3. Status: indicates what stage the request is in. See Search for an Existing Request for more details.
  4. Description: full details of the request
  5. Number of comments: shows the number comments posted about the request.

Feature development and issue troubleshooting often benefits from opinions and observations from various members of the community. Please add any observations or details to a request that can help us gain a better understanding of the issue.

Canny.io, a sample request with comments
Figure 1: a sample request with comments

Adding a comment

  • Find a request on the main page via filtering and searching and click on it (See Search for an Existing Request).
  • The full request with all comments will then display.
  • Click in the Leave a comment box and add:
    • any details you that you've noticed that might aid troubleshooting.
    • links to example pages
    • and if applicable, a screenshot of the issue
  • Click Submit.

If you've searched for your issue, and did not find a similar request to comment on, you can submit a new request.

Canny.io, submit request form
Figure 1: Canny.io, submit request form

 Please use the following information to submit a request:

  1. Create a Request form: Please fill out the fields as indicated below.
  2. Category: Leave blank. The Category field is used to track who is working on the request. Please see Search for an Existing Request for more information on categories.
  3. Title: Write a concise title with keywords that explain the request. For example: Add the Two Column paragraph to Labs.
  4. Details: Write a description with the all details that we need to act on the request. In addition, be sure to add:
    • your site name
    • links to sample pages demonstrating the request
  5. Attach Image: Attach a screenshot illustrating the request, if possible.
  6. Click Create Request.