Instructions & FAQ

Use this page when you are testing KakeiBuddy and need a quick reminder about study flow, surveys, CSV import, or issue reporting.

Quick Links

Study Instructions

Choose only the research group assigned to you by the researcher, then follow that group for the whole study.

• Learning Group: use the app for 21 days.
• Persuasive Technology Group: use the app for 28 days.

Do not switch groups during the study unless the researcher tells you to. Both groups use the same app, but the surveys and research focus are different.

During the study, please use the two main research features regularly:

• Challenges: browse, accept, complete, and claim rewards for budgeting challenges.
• Budget Coach: review the Recommended Step, open Why this?, accept or dismiss suggestions, and submit Quick Reflections.

These two features are important for the research because they provide the main learning, coaching, engagement, motivation, and progression data.

Survey Schedule

Pre-study survey:

• Complete this during onboarding before regular app use.
• This records your starting point.

Learning Group:

• Midpoint survey: Day 11.
• Final survey: Day 21.
• Main focus: budgeting awareness, confidence, reflection, learning, and Budget Coach support.

Persuasive Technology Group:

• Midpoint survey: Day 14.
• Final survey: Day 28.
• Main focus: challenges, rewards, nudges, motivation, engagement, and progress.

If a checkpoint appears late because you did not open the app on that day, answer it the next time it appears.

Using Existing Transactions

If you already have transaction records, you can import them instead of typing them one by one.

App navigation: Profile > Settings > Data Management > Import CSV Transactions.

Basic steps:

1. Download the CSV template if you need a sample format.
2. Prepare your CSV file.
3. Tap Choose CSV File.
4. Select the date format used in your file.
5. Match your columns to KakeiBuddy fields.
6. Review the import check.
7. Tap Import Valid Rows.

For detailed instructions, open the CSV Import And Export section in the User Guide.

Reporting Issues

If you find a bug, layout problem, crash, or confusing behavior, please report it.

In the app:

1. Go to Profile.
2. Open Settings.
3. Tap Report an Issue.

Direct form link:

Open the KakeiBuddy Tester Bug Report Form

When reporting, include your username or participant code if possible. You can find it in Profile > Settings > About My Account.

Privacy reminder: do not upload screenshots showing sensitive financial details. Blur or crop transaction notes, names, account details, and personal information before submitting.

FAQ

Which research group should I choose?

Choose the group assigned by the researcher: Learning Group or Persuasive Technology Group. Do not choose based on preference.

Can I change my research group later?

No, not during the study. The app uses your selected group to show the correct surveys and checkpoints.

What if I miss the midpoint or final survey day?

Open the app as soon as you can and complete the survey when it appears. Tell the researcher if you missed several days.

Do I need to use the app every day?

Try to use it regularly. At minimum, log income or expenses when they happen, check Budget Coach, use Challenges, and answer study checkpoints when they appear.

What should I test first?

Start with onboarding, data mode, budget profile, adding income, adding expenses, Budget Coach, Challenges, Profile, and Settings. Budget Coach and Challenges are the main research features, so please spend time using both.

Can I use old transactions?

Yes. Use CSV import if you already have transaction records. This can make the dashboard, charts, and Budget Coach useful faster.

Will my exact transactions be included in research reports?

No. Research exports exclude raw transaction rows, notes, exact income amounts, exact expense amounts, and monetary aggregates.

What is Sync Mode?

Sync Mode backs up simple monthly totals for app continuity. Your detailed transaction list and notes are not used in research reports.

What is Private Mode?

Private Mode keeps transaction rows on your phone and turns off monthly backup. If you join Research Mode, safe study data can still be submitted.

Can Budget Coach work if I have no transactions yet?

Yes. It starts with profile-informed guidance. As you log income and expenses, it can use your budget summaries to suggest more useful next steps.

What if Budget Coach does not load?

Check your internet connection and try again. If it still fails, report the issue using Report an Issue in Settings.

What if the app shows a network error?

Take a screenshot if possible, note what screen you were on, and report it through the bug report form.

Can I edit or delete transactions?

Yes. Open a transaction from Recent Transaction, View all transactions, or Wallets, then use the detail screen.

Can I import CSV more than once?

Yes, but review the import preview carefully so you do not accidentally duplicate old records.

What date format should I use for CSV?

The recommended format is YYYY-MM-DD, for example 2026-07-22. The import screen also lets you choose other formats.

What if my CSV dates look wrong?

Select the correct date format before importing. For example, choose MM/DD/YYYY or DD/MM/YYYY if your file uses slashes.

Where can I find my username or participant code?

Go to Profile > Settings > About My Account. Tap the row to copy the value.

Can I turn off tutorials?

Yes. Go to Profile > Settings > Tutorials & Guide Buttons.

Can I replay a tutorial?

Yes. Go to Profile > Settings > App Tutorial & Guides, then choose the guide you want to replay.

What should I include in a bug report?

Include the screen, what you were trying to do, what happened, your phone model, Android version, and a screenshot or video if possible.

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