In the ever-changing world of project management, staying ahead of the curve is critical to ensuring smooth workflows and efficient collaboration. We are thrilled to share the most recent Zenkit Suite updates with you today! These updates are meant to improve the way you plan and track your projects, as well as provide a slew of visual updates that will allow teams to achieve unprecedented productivity and success. 

Visible Project View Tabs and Improved Filtering 

The revamped header design, which promises to improve the user experience and streamline project management workflows, is one of the most significant updates in the latest software release. Users can now easily access all available project views with a single click thanks to the new header design. This user-friendly feature enables project managers and team members to quickly shift their focus from one project view to another, allowing them to gain comprehensive insights into their projects with minimal effort.

Additionally, the filter dialog has been significantly improved, now allowing users to save filters for the current view. This feature opens a world of possibilities in terms of customization and adaptability. Project managers can now create multiple views of the same type, each with its own set of filter options. This means that different teams or stakeholders can have tailored views that meet their specific needs and requirements. Whether filtering tasks based on priority, due dates, or assigned team members, the new filter dialog allows for a highly personalized project management experience, optimizing productivity and ensuring that everyone has access to the most relevant project information. 

These enhancements not only provide a more intuitive and user-friendly interface but also enable project managers and teams to have a broader view of their projects while still having the freedom to customize their workspace. The new header design revolutionizes project management by reducing navigation complexity and enabling customized filters, ultimately fostering better collaboration, faster decision-making, and improved overall project performance. 

Improved Calendar View 

The most recent software update also includes an exciting redesign of the calendar feature, providing users with a new and intuitive experience when managing their schedules. The revamped “Week view,” now equipped with an hour grid to simplify event scheduling, is at the forefront of this update. The days of guesswork are over, as users can easily resize and reschedule events by dragging the edges of the events. This simple functionality gives users precise control over their time management, allowing them to make changes to their schedules with a few clicks.

Recognizing the need for greater granularity in organizing workdays, the update also introduces a brand new “day view.” This addition enables users to break down their work week into individual days, providing a focused perspective on daily tasks and commitments. The day view ensures that users can plan and optimize their days with maximum efficiency, whether it’s allocating time for important meetings, blocking off dedicated work periods, or managing personal appointments. 

In addition to functional enhancements, the software update improves the overall design of the Calendar view. The new design emphasizes visual contrast, making it easier to differentiate between different events and schedules. Users can quickly navigate through their calendars, effortlessly absorbing information and making informed decisions about their upcoming engagements, thanks to a clean and modern interface. The visually appealing update improves the overall user experience, making scheduling a visually appealing and efficient process. 

Improved Visuals to Editing Forms 

We’ve also updated Zenforms, our no-code form builder, in response to user feedback. This most recent update introduces a visually enhanced design for the form editor, with the goal of improving the visual interface and providing a more intuitive user experience. With these enhancements, users will be able to distinguish more easily than ever between the various stages of form creation: editing, previewing, and completing. 

The form editor’s new design has been meticulously crafted to streamline the form-building process. The visual interface has been optimized to provide a clear distinction between the editing mode, in which users can easily customize form fields, layouts, and styles, and the preview mode, in which they can see how the form will appear to respondents. Furthermore, the new design includes a distinct “completion” view, which allows users to review and submit completed forms.

One of the most significant advantages of this update is its ability to increase productivity and decrease confusion when working with complex forms. The visually improved interface allows for a smooth transition between the editing, previewing, and completing stages, removing any guesswork and ensuring a more enjoyable form-building experience. Users will be able to more easily visualize the form’s appearance and functionality, allowing them to make precise adjustments and achieve the desired result. 

Whether you’re an experienced form builder or new to the world of no-code development, this update will help you create professional and engaging forms with ease. The form editor’s improved visual interface sets the stage for efficient form creation, allowing you to focus on content and design while minimizing the time and effort required for form development.

Final Thoughts

That brings us to the end of the latest Suite update. We still have some amazing and intuitive features and updates in the works for you, but for the time being, we hope this latest instalment can help improve your workflow! 

The post How Our Most Recent Software Updates Increase Your Productivity appeared first on Zenkit.

Effective project management is vital for the success of any organization. The ability to plan, execute, and deliver projects on time and within budget is critical for small businesses to large corporations. Even for seasoned professionals, navigating the complexities of project management can be a daunting task.  

This article delves into the 6 most frequently asked project management questions, shedding light on common challenges and providing practical insights to improve project success. We draw from the collective wisdom of experienced project managers and industry best practices. Understanding these fundamental questions can provide invaluable guidance for your projects, whether you’re an aspiring project manager, a team member working on a project, or a business owner looking to streamline operations.

The Most Frequently Asked Project Management Questions

By addressing these common queries, we aim to demystify project management and equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to tackle your projects with confidence. So, if you’ve ever wondered, “What is the role of a project manager?” or “How can I effectively manage project risks?” then this article is for you. 

1. What Is Project Management?

Project management is a discipline and set of practices that entails planning, organizing, and controlling resources and activities in order to achieve specific goals within a specified scope, budget, and timeframe. It is a methodical approach to initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, and closing projects in order to achieve desired results.

In a nutshell, project management entails coordinating various elements, such as people, tasks, timelines, and resources, in order to complete a project successfully. It includes defining project objectives, developing a project plan, allocating resources, managing risks, communicating with stakeholders, and monitoring progress. 

Project management is useful in a wide range of industries and sectors, from construction to information technology to marketing and healthcare. It provides a structured framework for managing projects of varying sizes and complexities, ensuring their efficient and successful completion.  

Organizations can optimize resources, reduce risks, improve collaboration, and ultimately deliver projects that meet the expectations of stakeholders by employing project management principles and methodologies. It provides a systematic approach to project execution, allowing teams to achieve their objectives while maintaining control over the scope, budget, and timeline of the project. 

2. What Is the Role of a Project Manager? 

The role of a project manager in project management is multi-faceted and crucial for the success of any project. Project managers serve as the central point of coordination, overseeing all aspects of a project from initiation to completion. Their primary objective is to ensure that the project is delivered on time, within budget, and with the desired quality. 

Here are some key responsibilities and roles of a project manager: 

Planning:

Project managers play a pivotal role in project planning. They define project goals, scope, and deliverables, and create a comprehensive project plan that outlines the tasks, timelines, and resources required for successful project execution. This involves breaking down the project into manageable phases and setting realistic objectives. 

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Organizing and Resource Management:

Project managers coordinate resources, including human resources, equipment, materials, and finances. They allocate tasks to team members, ensure that resources are available when needed, and optimize their utilization to maximize efficiency. 

Leadership and Team Management:

Project managers lead and motivate project teams, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment. They assign roles and responsibilities, provide guidance, and facilitate effective communication among team members. They also monitor team performance, address conflicts, and ensure that everyone is working towards common project goals. 

Risk Management:

Project managers identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate or minimize their impact on the project. They conduct risk assessments, create contingency plans, and monitor risks throughout the project lifecycle. This proactive approach helps in anticipating and addressing challenges, ensuring project success. 

Monitoring and Control:

Project managers continuously monitor project progress, track milestones, and compare actual progress against the project plan. They identify deviations, analyze their causes, and take corrective actions to keep the project on track. Regular status updates and reporting to stakeholders are also part of their responsibility. 

Stakeholder Management:

Project managers engage with project stakeholders, including clients, team members, sponsors, and external parties. They ensure effective communication, manage expectations, and address stakeholder concerns. Building and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders are crucial for project success. 

Quality Assurance:

Project managers are responsible for ensuring that project deliverables meet the required quality standards. They define quality parameters, establish quality control processes, and conduct regular reviews to verify adherence to quality requirements.

Project managers are therefore accountable for driving projects towards successful outcomes by effectively planning, organizing, leading, and controlling project activities. Their role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, requiring strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills to navigate the complexities of project management and achieve project objectives.

3. What Are the 5 Stages of Project Management? 

The 5 stages of project management, commonly known as the project life cycle, provide a structured framework for managing projects from initiation to completion. While the specific terminology and processes may vary depending on the methodology used, the core stages typically include: 

1st Stage: Project Initiation

• Define the project’s objectives, scope, and stakeholders. 
• Conduct a feasibility study to assess the project’s viability. 
• Develop a project charter or initiation document that outlines the project’s high-level details. 

 2nd Stage: Project Planning

• Create a detailed project plan that includes tasks, milestones, timelines, and resource requirements. 
• Identify project dependencies, risks, and constraints. 
• Develop a communication plan and stakeholder engagement strategy. 
• Set project baselines for scope, schedule, and budget. 

3rd Stage: Project Execution

• Execute the project plan by assigning tasks to team members and allocating resources. 
• Manage and coordinate project activities, ensuring they are performed according to the defined schedule. 
• Monitor progress and track project milestones. 
• Manage changes and make necessary adjustments to keep the project on track. 

4th Stage: Project Monitoring and Control

• Continuously monitor project performance against the baselines. 
• Track and analyze project metrics, such as cost, schedule, and quality. 
• Identify and manage risks and issues that may arise during project execution. 
• Take corrective actions when deviations occur, and communicate updates to stakeholders. 

5th Stage: Project Closure

• Validate project deliverables against acceptance criteria. 
• Conduct a formal project review to assess project success and lessons learned. 
• Close financial accounts, finalize contracts, and complete administrative tasks. 
• Prepare a final project report and formally close the project. 

It’s important to note that these stages are not always strictly linear, and iterations or overlapping activities may occur depending on the project’s nature and methodology used. Nonetheless, the five stages provide a general framework that helps project managers and teams navigate the project life cycle, ensuring a systematic and organized approach to project management.

4. How to Effectively Manage Project Risks 

Effectively managing project risks is crucial for ensuring project success and minimizing the negative impact of unforeseen events. Here are some steps to help you manage project risks effectively: 

Identify Risks:

Begin by identifying potential risks that could impact your project. This involves brainstorming with your project team, stakeholders, and subject matter experts to identify all possible risks. Consider risks related to project scope, resources, timeline, technology, external factors, and any other relevant aspects. Document these risks in a risk register or risk log. 

Assess Risks:

Once risks are identified, assess their likelihood of occurring and their potential impact on the project’s objectives. Prioritize the risks based on their significance, using qualitative or quantitative assessment techniques. This will help you determine which risks require immediate attention and which ones can be managed or mitigated. 

Plan Risk Response:

Develop a risk response plan for each identified risk. This plan outlines specific actions to address and mitigate the risks. Consider various strategies such as avoidance (eliminating the risk), mitigation (reducing the likelihood or impact), transfer (shifting the risk to another party), or acceptance (acknowledging the risk and having a contingency plan in place). Assign responsibilities and allocate resources for implementing the risk response strategies. 

Monitor and Control:

Continuously monitor the identified risks throughout the project lifecycle. Regularly review and update the risk register to capture any new risks that may arise. Track the effectiveness of implemented risk response strategies and adjust as necessary. Maintain open communication channels to ensure that the project team remains aware of potential risks and can respond promptly. 

Establish Contingency Plans:

Develop contingency plans for high-priority risks that pose a significant impact on the project if they occur. Contingency plans outline specific actions to be taken if a risk materializes. Having predetermined alternative approaches or backup plans can help minimize the impact of unforeseen events and ensure the continuity of project progress. 

Engage Stakeholders:

Involve relevant stakeholders in the risk management process. Keep them informed about identified risks, mitigation strategies, and progress. Seek their input and support in addressing risks and obtaining necessary resources. Effective stakeholder engagement can help build a collaborative environment and enhance risk management effectiveness. 

Learn from Lessons:

Continuously learn from past projects and experiences. Capture lessons learned from risk management efforts and incorporate them into future projects. This helps improve risk identification, assessment, and response planning for subsequent projects.

Remember that risk management is an ongoing process, and risks may evolve and change throughout the project lifecycle. Regularly revisit and update your risk management strategies to ensure they remain relevant and effective. By proactively identifying, assessing, and managing project risks, you can minimize potential disruptions and increase the likelihood of project success.

5. What Are the Key Project Management Skills? 

Effective project management requires a combination of technical, interpersonal, and leadership skills. Here are some key project management skills that are essential for successful project execution: 

Communication:

Strong communication skills are crucial for project managers to effectively convey information, expectations, and instructions to team members, stakeholders, and clients. Clear and concise communication helps ensure everyone is on the same page, promotes collaboration, and minimizes misunderstandings. 

Leadership:

Project managers need to provide strong leadership to guide their teams towards project success. This includes inspiring and motivating team members, setting clear goals and expectations, making decisions, and resolving conflicts. Effective leadership encourages teamwork, fosters a positive work environment, and keeps the project on track. 

Organization and Time Management:

Project managers must possess excellent organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and manage resources efficiently. Being able to prioritize activities, create realistic schedules, and effectively allocate resources helps maintain project progress and prevent delays. 

Risk Management:

The ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks is crucial for project managers. They should be skilled in anticipating potential risks, analyzing their impact, and developing appropriate strategies to minimize or address them. Proactive risk management helps reduce the negative impact of unforeseen events on the project. 

Problem-Solving:

Project managers encounter challenges and obstacles throughout the project lifecycle. Strong problem-solving skills enable them to identify issues, analyze root causes, and develop creative solutions. The ability to think critically and make timely decisions helps keep the project moving forward and overcome roadblocks. 

Stakeholder Management:

Project managers need to effectively engage and manage various stakeholders, including clients, team members, sponsors, and external parties. Building and maintaining positive relationships, understanding stakeholders’ needs and expectations, and managing communication channels are vital for stakeholder satisfaction and project success. 

Adaptability:

Projects are subject to changes and uncertainties. Project managers should be adaptable and flexible in response to evolving circumstances. They need to be open to change, adjust project plans as necessary, and find alternative approaches when required. Adapting to unexpected situations helps maintain project momentum and deliver successful outcomes. 

Financial and Budget Management:

Understanding project finances and effectively managing budgets is essential for project managers. They should have a good grasp of financial concepts, be able to track and control project costs and make informed decisions to optimize resource allocation. 

Team Management:

Project managers are responsible for leading and managing project teams. This requires strong team management skills, including the ability to delegate tasks, provide guidance and support, foster collaboration, and recognize and leverage individual strengths.

Continuous Learning:

Project managers should have a mindset of continuous learning and improvement. Keeping up with industry trends, best practices, and emerging project management methodologies helps enhance their skills and adapt to evolving project management practices.

While this list provides a comprehensive overview, the specific skills required may vary depending on the project’s nature, industry, and organizational context. Developing and refining these skills can significantly enhance a project manager’s ability to navigate complex projects and deliver successful outcomes.

6. What Are Project Management Tools? 

Project management tools are software applications or platforms that assist project managers and teams in planning, organizing, tracking, and collaborating on projects. These tools help streamline project management processes, improve communication, and enhance overall project efficiency.

Here are some commonly used project management tools: 

Project Planning and Scheduling Tools: 

• Gantt Chart Tools: These tools, such as Microsoft Project or Zenkit Projects allow project managers to create visual timelines, assign tasks, set dependencies, and track progress using Gantt charts. 
• Kanban Boards: Tools like Jira or Zenkit Projects enable teams to manage and visualize tasks using a Kanban board layout, with cards representing individual tasks or work items. 

Collaboration and Communication Tools: 

• Communication Platforms: Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Zenchat facilitate real-time communication and collaboration among team members, allowing for efficient sharing of information, discussions, and file sharing. 
• Document Sharing and Collaboration Tools: Platforms such as Google Drive, SharePoint, or Dropbox provide a central location for teams to store, access, and collaborate on project-related documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. 

Task and Workflow Management Tools: 

• To-Do Lists and Task Managers: Tools like Any.do or Zenkit To Do help individuals and teams create and manage to-do lists, set deadlines, and track progress on tasks. 
• Workflow Automation Tools: Platforms like Zapier or IFTTT automate repetitive tasks by integrating various applications and triggering actions based on predefined rules. 

Time and Resource Management Tools: 

• Time Tracking Software: Tools such as Toggl, Harvest, or Clockify help track time spent on project tasks, providing insights into resource utilization, estimating project costs, and analyzing productivity. 
• Resource Planning Tools: These tools, such as ResourceGuru, Float, Teamdeck, or Zenkit Projects assist in scheduling and allocating resources, managing team availability, and avoiding over/underbooking of resources. 

Issue and Risk Management Tools: 

• Issue Tracking Systems: Tools like Jira, GitHub Issues, or Redmine allow project teams to report, track, and manage project issues, bugs, and feature requests, ensuring they are addressed and resolved efficiently. 
• Risk Management Software: Platforms such as RiskyProject, ProjectManager.com, or ActiveCollab provide features to identify, assess, track, and mitigate project risks, helping project managers proactively manage potential threats. 

Reporting and Analytics Tools: 

• Dashboard and Reporting Tools: Platforms like Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, or Google Data Studio help project managers visualize and present project data in the form of interactive dashboards and reports, facilitating data-driven decision-making. 
• Project Performance Analytics: Tools such as ProjectManager.com, Workfront, or Smartsheet offer built-in analytics capabilities to track project progress, monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), and generate performance reports. 

The selection of project management tools depends on the specific needs and requirements of the project, team size, budget, and preferences. It’s important to evaluate different tools and choose those that align with the project management approach, team collaboration needs, and overall project goals.

Final Thoughts

Project management is certainly a complex and multifaceted discipline that requires a diverse set of skills and knowledge. Hopefully, this article has provided valuable insights into the 6 most frequently asked project management questions. By understanding these key discussion points, individuals can navigate the challenges of project management more effectively and increase the chances of project success.

Whether you are an aspiring project manager or a seasoned professional, having a solid foundation in project management concepts and best practices is essential. By familiarizing yourself with the fundamental principles and applying them in your projects, you can improve your ability to plan, execute, and control projects, leading to better outcomes and stakeholder satisfaction. Additionally, staying updated with the latest trends, methodologies, and tools in project management can help you adapt to the evolving needs of the industry and continuously improve your project management skills.

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With the rise in popularity of AI technology and the launch of ChatGPT last November, we thought it would be fun to ask the AI chatbot for its predictions for 2023! 

The world’s most popular artificial intelligence believes the following are the most important talking points for 2023: 

1. The Advancement of Technology

Over the last few decades, technology has advanced at an unprecedented rate. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years. Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly developing, and it is expected to have a growing role in a range of industries, including healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.

Quantum computing is also expected to advance rapidly. With this comes the potential to transform fields such as cryptography, drug discovery, and materials science. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are becoming more cost-competitive with traditional energy sources. Electric vehicle adoption is expected to accelerate, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Another area where we can anticipate continued progress is in robotics. Robots are already being used in manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics, and their capabilities and versatility are increasing. As a result, they are likely to play a larger role in the economy in the coming years. 

So, we can expect technological advances in areas such as AI, quantum computing, renewable energy, and robotics to continue at a rapid pace. These advancements are likely to result in new products and services as well as increased productivity. Hopefully, it should also lead to an overall improvement in the quality of life for many people around the world. These developments may pose risks and challenges, however. For example, the impact on jobs and the need to ensure that these technologies are used ethically and responsibly.

2. Continued Impact of COVID-19 

Since its initial outbreak in late 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the global economy. The pandemic has caused widespread supply chain disruptions and reduced demand for goods and services. It has also forced many businesses to close temporarily or permanently. Vaccines have improved the situation in many countries. However, the pandemic is expected to continue to have an impact on the global economy in the coming years.

The pandemic has caused significant changes in consumer behavior. Examples of these changes include a shift toward online shopping and a reduction in travel. These changes are likely to persist even after the pandemic is contained, which could have long-term consequences for industries such as retail and hospitality.

Another factor that could contribute to continued economic uncertainty in 2023 is the possibility of new virus variants emerging. This could result in new waves of infections and further disruptions to economic activity. The effectiveness of vaccines against these new variants is still unknown, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic’s future course. 

Finally, the pandemic’s economic impact has been unevenly distributed, with some sectors and groups of people suffering more than others. Low-income workers and small businesses have been particularly hard hit. It is unclear how long it will take for these groups to fully recover from the economic consequences of the pandemic.

In summary, the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have a continued impact on the global economy in 2023. Changes in consumer behavior and the possibility of new virus variants could lead to continued uncertainty and disruptions in economic activity.

3. Climate Change 

Climate change is a global problem that is increasingly being recognized as a major challenge for governments, businesses, and individuals worldwide. Human activities, such as the use of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial agriculture, are causing global temperatures to rise, resulting in a variety of environmental effects such as rising sea levels, more frequent and severe weather events, and biodiversity loss. 

Many countries and organizations have set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a low-carbon economy in response to this challenge. The Paris Agreement, signed in 2015, is a global agreement aimed at keeping global warming well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with a target of 1.5°C. Every five years, countries must submit updated plans for reducing emissions, with the next round of plans due in 2023.

Aside from national and international efforts, many businesses and individuals are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainability. This includes the use of renewable energy, energy efficiency measures, sustainable transportation, and agricultural practices that are environmentally friendly. 

However, there are challenges and obstacles to meeting the Paris Agreement’s goals and addressing climate change more broadly. One of the most significant challenges is the fossil fuel industry’s political and economic power, which has been a major impediment to the transition to a low-carbon economy. There are also issues related to the problem’s scale, as well as the cost and feasibility of implementing large-scale emission reduction measures. 

In conclusion, climate change will continue to be a major global challenge in 2023, with continued efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy. While achieving these goals will present significant challenges and obstacles, there will also be numerous opportunities for innovation and progress toward a more sustainable future. 

4. Increased Impact of Climate Change 

The transition to a low-carbon economy is likely to be one of the key areas of focus in 2023. Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency, and shift toward renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower are all part of this. This transition is critical for mitigating the worst effects of climate change and ensuring the global economy’s long-term viability.

Another critical area of focus will almost certainly be the conservation of natural ecosystems and biodiversity. This includes efforts to protect forests, wetlands, and other critical habitats, as well as efforts to keep endangered species from extinction. Biodiversity loss has far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, food security, and human health, and it is critical that action be taken to address this issue. 

In addition to these efforts, there will be a continued emphasis on adapting to the already-occurring effects of climate change. This includes measures to strengthen the resilience of communities and infrastructures to extreme weather events like floods, hurricanes, and droughts. 

Finally, in 2023, there will most likely be a greater emphasis on the ethical and social dimensions of climate change. Climate justice, which focuses on the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable populations, is one example, as are questions about the responsibility of individuals, businesses, and governments to take action to address climate change. 

In summary, climate change is likely to remain a critical issue in 2023, with a focus on transitioning to a low-carbon economy, protecting natural ecosystems and biodiversity, adapting to climate change effects, and the ethical and social dimensions of climate change. It is critical to address these issues to ensure the global economy’s long-term viability and the well-being of current and future generations. 

5. Electric Vehicles and Renewable Energy 

Demographic shifts are a long-term trend that has shaped societies all over the world. The aging of populations in many countries, particularly in developed economies such as Japan, Europe, and North America, is one of the most significant demographic shifts. A combination of factors, including declining birth rates and rising life expectancy, is driving this trend. 

As populations age, the economy, social welfare systems, and healthcare systems all face significant challenges. For example, a smaller workforce may be required to support an aging population, which could result in labor shortages and higher costs for healthcare and social welfare programs. Consumer preferences may also shift, with older consumers having different needs and preferences than younger consumers. 

At the same time, demographic changes are increasing diversity in many societies, with increased immigration and minority group representation. This diversity presents both opportunities and challenges, as it can lead to cultural exchange, economic growth, and social cohesion, but it can also lead to tensions and conflicts among various groups. 

Urbanization is another demographic trend that is expected to continue in 2023. As more people move to cities around the world, infrastructure, transportation, and housing face significant challenges. Urbanization can increase economic opportunities and social mobility, but it can also create problems such as traffic congestion, pollution, and inequality. 

In conclusion, demographic changes are a long-term trend that will continue to shape societies globally in 2023. Population aging, increased diversity, and urbanization are all likely to have serious consequences for the economy, social welfare systems, and healthcare systems. While these trends present both challenges and opportunities, they also necessitate careful planning and management to ensure that all groups’ needs are met. 

6. Rise in Automation 

Technological progress is accelerating at an unprecedented rate, transforming nearly every aspect of human life. The trend of rapid developments in fields such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, biotechnology, and quantum computing is expected to continue in 2023. 

The further development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are likely to be one of the key areas of technological advancement in 2023. AI has the potential to transform many industries, from healthcare to finance to transportation, by enabling more accurate and efficient decision-making and the automation of routine tasks. There are concerns about the impact of AI on employment. Additionally, there is the possibility of unintended consequences, such as biases in decision-making algorithms.

Robotics is another likely area of technological advancement. Robotics has the potential to improve efficiency and lower costs in a variety of industries. However, it also raises concerns about the impact on employment and the ethical implications of delegating certain tasks to machines.

Another area of rapid technological advancement is biotechnology, which has the potential to transform healthcare through gene editing, personalized medicine, and new treatments for previously incurable diseases. There are concerns about the ethical implications of genetic manipulation. Additionally, there is a need to balance innovation with safety and ethical considerations.

Finally, as already mentioned, quantum computing is a new technology with the potential to revolutionize computing. However, there are also concerns about quantum computers’ ability to crack existing encryption methods.

Technological advancements are expected to transform nearly every aspect of human life in 2023. Rapid advances in fields such as AI, machine learning, robotics, biotechnology, and quantum computing are among the factors driving this transformation. These advances present numerous opportunities. However, they also raise significant ethical, social, and economic concerns that must be carefully considered and managed.

Project Management in 2023 

We also thought it would be interesting to see what ChatGPT predicts for the world of project management in 2023. Here’s what it said: 

1. Increased Adoption of Agile Methodologies 

Agile project management has grown in popularity over the last decade, and this trend is expected to continue in 2023. Agile methodologies such as Scrum and Kanban emphasize flexibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement. They are well suited to a wide range of projects, particularly those involving software development.

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2. Greater Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning 

AI and machine learning have the potential to transform project management. This can be achieved by enabling more accurate and efficient decision-making, automating routine tasks, and monitoring project performance in real-time. Project managers are likely to use AI tools more frequently for project planning, risk management, and resource allocation.

3. Increased Focus on Project Governance 

The set of processes, policies, and procedures that guide project execution is referred to as project governance. In 2023, there will almost certainly be a greater emphasis on project governance. This is especially true in industries with stringent regulatory requirements, such as healthcare and finance. This could include the creation of standardized project management frameworks like PRINCE2 or PMBOK. There could also be a greater emphasis on risk management and quality control.

4. More Diverse and Distributed Project Teams 

Because of the rise of remote work and globalization, project teams are becoming more diverse and geographically dispersed. To effectively manage teams across time zones, cultures, and languages, project managers will need to develop new strategies. This could include using virtual collaboration tools like video conferencing and project management software. Not only that, but new communication and leadership skills must be learned.

5. Increased Importance of Soft Skills 

Project managers require technical skills. However, the importance of soft skills like communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence is increasing. In 2023, project managers are expected to focus more on developing skills in themselves and their teams. This emphasis aims to enhance collaboration, stakeholder management, and overall project success.

In conclusion, project management is expected to evolve and adapt to new trends and developments in 2023. Project managers are likely to prioritize Agile methodologies, artificial intelligence and machine learning. Not only that, they will also focus on project governance, diverse and distributed teams, and soft skills. These areas will become increasingly important for successful project management.

Final Thoughts

That was certainly informative. There’s no denying that the AI chatbot is aware of current global trends. The upcoming year is predicted to witness a rise in technological innovation. Additionally, there will be increased attention towards the impact of climate change.

What do you think of its forecasts? Do you think it’s fairly accurate, or do you believe it’s overlooked something important? 

The post ChatGPT’s Predictions for 2023 appeared first on Zenkit.

We’ve been attempting to create artificial intelligence (AI) that can compete with humans since the 1970s. With ChatGPT, the company OpenAI shocked the world at the end of November 2022. This is due to the language model’s frighteningly close proximity to the desire for a working AI for texts. 

In this article, you’ll learn what ChatGPT is, how it can help you, and how you can start using the new tool for your notes right away. 

Could ChatGPT truly be a viable Google replacement? 

What Is ChatGPT?  

ChatGPT is an AI chatbot created by OpenAI that can generate human-like text. It was developed using a large dataset of human conversations. As such, it can understand and respond to natural language inputs in the same way that a human would.

One of ChatGPT’s distinguishing features (other than sending Google into a “Code Red” state of alert) is the ability to carry on a conversation or generate text in response to a specific prompt. For instance, if you ask ChatGPT “I want to take a trip to Italy. What should I do first?”, it may respond with “First, you should learn about your travel options”. Find out about flights and hotels, and think about the type of trip you want to take: do you want to visit historical sites, try new foods, or relax on the beach? “.

ChatGPT, in addition to its conversational capabilities, can generate texts on a wide range of topics and styles, making it an effective tool for tasks such as translation, summary, and content generation. As this technology advances, we can anticipate more and more innovative applications for ChatGPT in the future. 

ChatGPT: Benefits  

To make the benefits of ChatGPT clearer to you, we asked ChatGPT to write us this section:

Me: “What are the benefits of using ChatGPT?” 

ChatGPT: “ChatGPT is a chatbot model developed by OpenAI that uses the GPT-3 language model to generate responses to user input. Some benefits of using ChatGPT include: 

• Natural language understanding: ChatGPT is able to understand and respond to user input in a way that is similar to how a human would. This makes it easier for users to communicate with the chatbot and reduces the need for precise formatting or commands. 
• Customization: ChatGPT can be customized to fit the specific needs and goals of an application. For example, it could be trained to answer specific questions about a product or service or to provide personalized recommendations based on user input. 
• Versatility: ChatGPT is able to handle a wide range of conversation topics and can engage in extended conversations with users. This makes it well-suited for use in customer service or other applications where users may have a variety of questions or issues to discuss. 
• Efficiency: ChatGPT can handle multiple conversations simultaneously, which can help to improve the efficiency of customer service or other applications where multiple users may be interacting with the chatbot at the same time. 

Overall, ChatGPT offers a number of benefits for applications that require natural language understanding and the ability to engage in extended conversations with users.” 

ChatGPT for Note-Taking Apps  

ChatGPT’s technology has the potential to transform the use of note-taking apps by making information collection and organisation easier and more efficient. 

Understanding and responding to natural voice input is one of ChatGPT’s main advantages for note-taking apps. This means that users can simply speak or type their thoughts and ideas in a conversational manner, and ChatGPT will generate a structured and organised note based on that input. This is especially useful for people who prefer to take notes in a loose, unstructured manner, as they can capture their thoughts as they come without having to worry about formatting or organisation. 

ChatGPT also has the capability of learning from previous input. ChatGPT can understand the user’s writing style and preferences by analysing previous notes and conversations, and then suggests appropriate tags or categories for new notes. This allows users to stay organised while working in note-taking apps and easily find information later. 

ChatGPT not only improves the process of note-taking, but it can also assist the user in more efficiently reviewing and summarising them. ChatGPT can create a summary or highlight the key points of a note by analysing its contents, saving users time and effort when reviewing their notes or presenting them to others. 

Overall, ChatGPT has the potential to significantly improve how we take notes by making it easier to capture and organise information as well as streamlining the review and summary process. We can expect even more innovative and useful applications in the future as this technology advances. 

OpenAI Integration with Zenkit

Zenkit now integrates with OpenAI!

If you use Zenkit Base to build your database and are looking for a way to use the power of UI to convert data into valuable insights, the Zapier integration between Zenkit Base and OpenAI could be the solution.
The integration with OpenAI opens up a world of possibilities for improving the functionality of any Zenkit-created database. OpenAI can assist in generating AI-generated content that is relevant to the specific context of the data in Zenkit, whether it’s for storing ideas for blog articles, recipes, or tourist destinations.

Final Thoughts 

As you can see from this article, the Zenkit team are very impressed with ChatGPT. That’s why we’re already working at full speed to find a solution to integrate artificial intelligence into Zenkit products.  

Nonetheless, we are still learning how to use this new tool. It’s nice that it’s currently available for free to everyone after completing registration. This definitely allows for a thorough understanding of ChatGPT. 

However, it’s worth pointing out that, while this tool has great potential, ChatGPT warns that the provided answers are not always correct. As a result, before using or disseminating this information, you should always double-check the answers. Even if we wish AI would take care of the mundane tasks of life, they are still tools that should not take away our ability to think for ourselves.

The post How ChatGPT Revolutionises Your Notes appeared first on Zenkit.

Access Control was released recently. As such, we thought it would be a great idea to provide you with some insightful use cases. In doing so, we hope you’ll be able to better understand this new feature and recognise its potential benefits for your own use! 

First things first, a quick reminder: 

What Is Access Control? 

Access Control (coupled with the release of Password Restriction) is a brand-new approach to collaboration. This intuitive feature gives users greater control over their workspace. In our previous Access Control article, we used Zenkit Base as an example of this. Collection Owners can use Access Control to limit what other Collection members can see and interact with. Not only does this help streamline your team’s workflow, but it also aids in day-to-day organisation. Doing so gives you greater peace of mind knowing there are fewer things to manage and worry about during the lifespan of your project. 

Password Restriction, another recent significant addition to Access Control in the Suite, is another means to bolster control of your workspace. This feature allows you to create a password for your Collection, meaning that Collections with public access can only be accessed if they have the right password. 

Access Control for Education 

Let’s kick things off with education! Access Control can be very beneficial, no matter if you’re a teacher or a student! 

Teachers can set group projects (or “tasks”) within a shared class Collection by using Access Control. In this situation, students have access to all assignments but are unable to see what their peers have done as well as add or remove any new assignments. Although the student’s view is limited, the teacher can still see how each student is doing from a single, central Collection view. 

In this example below, we can see that a teacher has a clear overview of her 3 students, as well as important file attachments and the grades they’ve given out, but their student doesn’t. 

Teacher View: 

Student View: 

The student can only see what the teacher has pre-selected as important. 

Obviously, if what the students are working on suddenly moves into group work, the teacher can ensure that students only see their classmates and their own views! 

Access Control for Project Management 

Perhaps a little more obvious is the use of Access Control for project management.  

Zenkit, for example, utilises many agile methodologies due to the field in which we work in. This means that we are working across multiple projects (from large to small scale) with different team sizes and team members. As such, Access Control is a super effective way to ensure that our workflow is never hindered when working on a project that involves many people. 

Our project manager is collaborating with three other team members on a project. But while one of them works a little more independently, the other two are working on one aspect of the project simultaneously. Because of this, our project manager has limited the team members’ views so that the two team members can only see the tasks assigned to them and not the third.  

However, one of these team members is given access to some crucial files that will enable them both to complete their work because they have a little bit more responsibility than the other. 

As we can see below, our project manager has a clear overview of everyone on their team, but the view for our two chosen team members varies depending on who you’re looking at. 

Project Manager View: 

 First Team Member’s View: 

Second Team Member’s View: 

Access Control for HR 

When working in HR, communicating with numerous people from different departments of your company or organisation is routine. As a result, it’s crucial to prevent the spread of personal information (such as contact information). It might be viewed as both unethical and unprofessional if everyone could see this information.  

Based on this example, we will go over another situation where Access Control can be used to help update the home addresses and contact information for a specific team. 

HR’s View: 

General Overview 

Member Overview 

As you can see, the HR team has a thorough overview of all the data related to updating the marketing team’s contact information. This includes additional details that the marketing team members are unable to see. These include a label indicating whether the information is “up-to-date” or not and a future date (and reminder) for when they should get in touch with the team again to keep the contact information current. 

Marketing Team Member’s View: 

General Overview 

Thanks to Access Control, HR can limit what (and who) others can see when updating their private information. 

Member View: 

Access Control thus ensures that members only fill out and access the information that is relevant to them with no security threats or extra work for the HR department. 

Access Control for Accounting Department 

The last example we’d like to show you is more number based. 

A great example of this is a company’s accounting department in which important and sensitive information is exchanged and accessed by several people across the company. By limiting what people can access and “change”, the accounting department can avoid any hiccups when calculating company finances. 

For example, the accounting department can set up a Collection for members from a specific team to add any work expenses. 

Accounting department’s general overview: 

Accounting department’s member view: 

Team member’s general overview: 

Team member’s view:

With this example, you can see that the team member’s view is completely different to that of the accounting department. The department can see extra details (across all team members) such as whether the expense has been calculated and authorised as well as the company contact information of the team member. However, the team members themselves are limited in what they can interact with and are unable to see the expenses of others! 

Final Thoughts 

Although we’ve only chosen a few applications for Access Control here, the possibilities are endless! 

As we can see here, Access Control can be easily tailored to various company or individual needs. In doing so, you avoid the “cookie cutter” approach to workflow management and can ensure that you have the correct level of control needed to get your work/job done right. 

Our advice would be to start experimenting with it and see how this feature might help you and your team’s workflow. 

How would you like to use Access Control? Do you have another example that you’d like to see? Let us know in the comments! 

Want to learn more about Access Control? Visit our Knowledge Base! 

Access Control is a paid feature available in Plus plans or higher. It’s available across Base, Projects, To Do, and Zenforms and will also soon be added to Hypernotes. 

The post How to Use Access Control appeared first on Zenkit.

Access Control is a revolutionary approach to collaborative work.

For the examples we list below, we will be working with Zenkit Base. However, Access Control is also available in Projects, To Do, and Zenforms. It will also soon be added to Hypernotes. 

What Is Access Control? 

Access Control, as the name suggests, is an intuitive way of controlling third-party access to your workspace, whether this be your Projects, Collections, Forms, or Lists. 

There are many layers to Access Control. However, in essence, the Collection Owner can control what aspects of the Collection other Collection members can both view and interact with. 

How to Set Up Access Control 

Access Control can easily be set up by first clicking on one of the members working in your Collection. The quickest way to do this is to click the “Member Icon” at the top of the screen. This will lead to a drop-down menu showing all the members currently added to your Collection. Otherwise, you can access all members by going to your Collection settings and clicking “Access”. 

Next, click the Collection Member to whom you’d like to apply Access Control. This will then open another menu displaying all the possible roles your team member can play in your Collection.

For those with a paid plan, the Access Control feature can be accessed at the bottom of this menu. 

When setting up Access Control as a Collection Owner, it’s important to remember that the feature will not work for any team member who is assigned to the role of “Collection Member”. The reason for this is that this Collection role can edit Collections freely. As such, this role would supersede the use of Access Control since they can remove their Access Control just as easily as they can apply it to others. 

By assigning your team member as an “Editor”, “Contributor”, “Commenter”, or “Guest”, you will unlock the Access Control functionality at the bottom of the menu. 

Access Control Examples 

There are many uses for Access Control, and we detail some ways in which this new feature works below. 

Show or Hide Fields 

Using the field toggle function, the Collection Owner can easily switch between selecting fields to hide from their team member or to have shown. 

An example of this can be seen below when working with the Table View in Base. 

This is an example view seen by our “Restricted User” before the Collection Owner (called “Main User” in this example) uses Access Control to restrict what they can and can’t see. It is important to note that the Collection Owner will continue to see this view even after restricting a team member’s Collection access. 

The Collection Member has decided that this member should not be able to view the “Due Date” and “Attachments” fields. Nor can they make any changes to the Collection such as adding new fields or making any major alterations to the pre-existing table (otherwise, that would defeat the purpose of Access Control!). 

 More Advanced Field Filtering 

There are a lot of ways in which field filters can be used to ensure your team members get the correct view of your work. Obviously, the use of these filters will differ depending on your needs. Nevertheless, there are some simple ways in which you can improve how you use them. 

A great example of this is hiding (or showing) certain labels, rather than just the fields (as illustrated in the example above). Let’s demonstrate how this works with the “Assigned To” field. 

Instead of showing all members in the “Assigned To” field, we’ll alter the filtering so that it will only display the tasks assigned to our “Restricted User”. 

As you can see, the “Restricted User” can only see their assigned tasks. However, they are also able to create new tasks. If they decide to do so, a new task will be created and automatically label them in the “Assigned To” field. 

With this example, it is important to note that should the Collection Owner have made the “Assigned To” field hidden from our “Restricted User”, any new task created by the “Restricted User” will automatically tag their name to the “Assigned To” field that is visible in the Collection Owner’s Table View. 

Here you can see that the “Restricted User” has created two new tasks, but they cannot see the “Assigned To” field.

However, the Collection Owner can see from their Table View who has created these new tasks. 

Password Restriction 

The final aspect of Access Control is its Password Restriction feature. 

Again, as its name suggests, Password Restriction limits access to your Collections with a password. 

The Password Restriction feature can be found by accessing your Collection settings and clicking “Access”. Within this space, you will be given an overview of your workspace visibility, Collection members, and finally the Password Restriction.  

Please note, the Password Restriction feature is only available as part of a paid plan. 

 From here, you will be given the opportunity to create a new password. 

Now, Collection Members will only be able to access your Collection should they have the password. 

Final Thoughts

By combining the use of Access Control and Password Restriction, you are given a greater sense of control over your workspace.  

These features are not only a great way to speed up collaboration, but they can also enhance everyone’s workflow. 

What do you think of our latest features? Have you had the chance to try them out yet? 

Leave your comments below! 

Access Control and Password Restriction are available for Zenkit Base, To Do, Projects, and Zenforms. They will also soon be available in Hypernotes. 

Access Control and Password Restriction are paid plan features available for Plus Plan members and higher. 

The post Collaborate with Access Control and Password Restriction appeared first on Zenkit.

What Is Global File View? 

Global File View (our latest Smart View) is an easy way to see all the files attached to your tasks. The new Smart View is a quick and easy way to get an immediate visual of all the files found across your tasks because they are all in one list that is simple to read. 

In Zenkit Base, the Global File View is an Add-On. While it is automatically activated, you can easily deactivate the Smart View from your profile settings should you choose to. 

How Do I Create a Global File View? 

Creating a Global File View is just as easy as creating other Views across the Suite. 

The Smart View can be accessed in pretty much the same manner across all products in which it’s available.  

Here you can find a precise summary of the steps involved in creating this Global View:  

Base, To Do, and Hypernotes 

1. Open the side panel menu
2. Click “Files” 

 Projects 

1. Open the side panel menu
2. Click “Create Smart View” 
3. Select “Global Files” 
4. Click “Create” 

The Global File View Action Bar 

From this new view, you have a complete overview of all the files attached to your tasks. Within this View, you are then given the option to filter your files to make them more accessible. 

1. The slider next to the filter allows you to quickly change how many files are displayed on your screen. 

2. The default filter is “Upload Date”, but from here you can easily filter for other requirements, such as “Name” and “Size”. 

Once done, you can then decide how these files should be grouped in the “Group By” filter. This can include the “Owner”, the “Workspace”, and more. 

3. The search bar uses keywords for quick access to files. This is a handy feature if you know the name of the file that you are looking for. 

4. For a more advanced filtering option, including which Collections/Projects should and should not be included in your filter, you can click the “…” icon next to the search bar.

Global File View is the latest addition to Zenkit Base, Projects, To Do, and Hypernotes and is available for all plans!

Visit our Knowledge Base for even more information on the Suite’s Global File View. 

The post Global File View: All Your Files in One Place appeared first on Zenkit.

Zenforms may have only been released in March of this year, but we’ve been pouring a lot of love and attention into the Zenkit Suite’s sixth addition. 

Our no-code application has received minor to major updates. Today, we’d like to share some exciting news from Zenforms’ most recent major update: Conditional Logic! This is a feature available to all our users (free, plus, and business plan). 

 What Is Conditional Logic in Zenforms? 

In its most basic form, Conditional Logic is the ability to:

• Determine which page to display when a specific answer is clicked or typed. 
• Determine which pages are irrelevant to certain groups. 
• Increase the number of targeted responses in your collection without having to create separate forms for different audiences. 

Zenform’s Conditional Logic allows you to essentially tailor follow-up questions in such a way that they are relevant to an answer given to a previous question. 

The new feature directs form respondents to a specific form page based on their response to a multiple-choice survey. Not only does this save the respondent a lot of time because the questions are always relevant to their responses, but it also creates a form tailored to their experience! As a result, regardless of how large the pool of respondents is, each receives specific questions to which they can respond. 

The Benefit of Conditional Logic in Forms 

Forms with a linear flow limit your ability to make your forms more flexible. It’s sometimes useful to know which page should open next for a participant after they enter a specific answer. 

Using Conditional Logic, you can target your forms to a larger audience while also specifying them to specific groups within them. This may appear complicated, but it is quite simple.

That is the beauty of Zenforms: as a no-code application, you can create complex forms without any programming or coding experience. 

You can independently determine the flow of your forms with a few clicks using Conditional Logic. Your forms will be more tailored to your target audiences, and you will no longer require ten forms to go into greater detail about the subgroups. 

It also sorts your responses for you. For instance, in a contact form. Because Conditional Logic only allows participants to enter fields that are relevant to them, you save yourself the trouble of sorting them out later. Isn’t it fantastic? We’ll return to the contact form example later in the article. 

Examples of How to Use Conditional Logic in Zenforms 

Flow logic, linear flow, specified target groups… It all sounds a bit complicated. To give you a better idea of our flow logic, we have brought you 3 examples of how the flow logic can be applied: 

Contact Forms 

People usually want to contact you or your company for a variety of reasons. This usually means that you must filter the responses again before forwarding them to the appropriate departments. 

The Conditional Logic in Zenforms solves this problem and relieves you of some of the work. Ask participants why they want to contact you on the first page of the form. As an example: 

• General Enquiry 
• Sales Enquiry
• Marketing Enquiry
• Customer Service
• Feedback 

You can now create a separate page for each answer option. The entries of the participants are then automatically divided into the fields of the various pages in the answer collection.

Page 1:

Page 2:

Page 3:

Page 4:

Employee Survey 

Employee surveys frequently have the issue that you want to ask very specific questions to specific departments, but this requires you to create several forms and then merge all of the data. 

This issue is no longer an issue thanks to Conditional Logic. You can now create an employee survey for the entire company, with pages dedicated to specific departments. The great thing about this is that at the end, all the results are automatically gathered into one Collection, saving you the work of having to reassemble all the results. 

Tip: Create a multiple-choice page with the different departments’ selection options, and then set up a specific page for each department. 

Quizzes 

Whether you want to start a fun quiz with co-workers or friends, create a knowledge quiz for your students, or create a competition for your customers, Conditional Logic makes your Zenforms quizzes even more interactive. 

Tip: Create a multiple-choice question and two additional pages to inform participants whether they were correct or incorrect.

Page 1:

Page 2:

Page 3:

How Do I Create a Conditional Logic in Zenforms? 

While creating a Conditional Logic in Zenforms is simple, it can take some time to understand which pages must be linked to another for the logic to appear, well, logical. Thankfully, we’ve put together a quick overview of how Conditional Logic works in Zenforms, as well as the steps required to set it up in your own forms! 

Let’s get started! 

1. Create Pages 

To begin creating Conditional Logic in your form, we recommend that you first create all the necessary pages in your form (i.e. your form is complete). 

To make your workflow easier, we also recommend labeling your pages with relevant headings when you create them. This way, you know what belongs on which page. This makes it much easier to connect pages to one another because you can clearly see which page is which and avoid a false page connection. 

For example, if I want to survey different departments in an employee survey, I will create pages with titles such as Marketing, Accounting & Finance, Human Resources, IT, and so on. 

2. Add Form Fields 

Next, you can add form controls. This will direct respondents to specific pages of your form. This is ideal for multiple-choice questions! 

It must be noted that this field must be set to “Required” for the flow to work effectively. (You can enable the toggle in the “Field settings”). 

 3. Set Up the Conditional Logic 

Now we can add the famous “Conditional Logic” workflow. Click on the “…” icon in the upper right corner of the page with the multiple-choice question. Then select “Settings”. 

You can now select “+ Conditional Logic” at the bottom of the page settings. Add the condition to your selection after selecting the question on which the Conditional Logic is based.

In the third field of this section, you now select the answer that a particular page of the questionnaire should produce.

For example, in this case, “Marketing” is chosen as the answer to the question about the person’s occupation. As a result, the respondent should be routed to the “Marketing” page as well. Select “Marketing” from the drop-down menu next to “Go to page.”

It is also possible to redirect multiple responses to the same page. To do so, select “Add condition.” 

That’s it; Conditional Logic has been added to your multiple-choice questionnaires. 

It may take some practice, but this is a great feature to add to your forms to improve the form respondents’ experience! 

If you have any questions about Zenforms and/or the Conditional Logic feature, feel free to reach out to us through our social media channels or contact us via info@zenkit.com 

Alternatively, if you want to book a free demo to better understand how Zenforms works (including its integration with the rest of the Zenkit Suite), you can do so here. 

We are very excited about our new flow logic and hope you are as well. Do you already have ideas for incorporating the Conditional Logic into your Zenforms? What are your thoughts on our new flow feature? 

Zenforms as a No-Code Solution  

Zenforms is a no-code web form application that allows you to create forms and surveys to connect with those who matter the most to you. It is designed to be adaptable, user-friendly, and ideal for collaboration. Its applications are virtually limitless thanks to a wide range of intuitive and creative form-building features. 

Create standalone forms with a single click, without the need for a website. Alternatively, you can embed a form on your existing website using an “iframe.”  

Zenforms enables you to better understand ongoing projects, collect valuable data for the next product launch, or simply collect valuable feedback from your community! 

Perhaps the best aspect of Zenforms is its integration with the rest of the Zenkit Suite! 

Just like other Zenkit applications, Zenforms works in perfect harmony with the rest of the Zenkit Suite! 

So, once you’ve collected your data with Zenforms, you can use To Do to create tasks, Hypernotes to create knowledge bases, Projects to analyse results, Base to structure work, and Zenchat to communicate with your team! 

The post Conditional Logic for Zenforms appeared first on Zenkit.

Software development has been one of the most affected industries by what many refer to as “the Great Resignation”. This phenomenon, also known as “the Big Quit,” is a continuing economic trend in which employees voluntarily resigned from their jobs in large numbers beginning in early 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, because of the scarcity of developers, businesses have struggled as a result of their increased reliance on enterprise technologies. Yet, surely, this is the ideal time for low-code/no-code platforms to emerge, allowing employees and business owners to develop applications with no prior coding knowledge or experience. 

According to Gartner, 64% of IT executives see the skill shortage as the most significant adoption barrier to emerging technologies, compared to just 4% in 2020. The real question now is whether low-code/no-code adoption can compensate for these lost numbers, or if low-code/no-code platforms are only a temporary solution to our development woes. 

The Rise of Low-Code & No-Code App Development 

To emphasise the ongoing developer shortage, the industry association Bitkom has revealed that the number of IT vacancies in Germany alone rose to 96,000 last year. This represents a 12% increase from the previous year. Furthermore, two-thirds of companies believe the shortage of IT professionals will worsen in the future, leading to many IT leaders having to refocus or even stop their digitalisation efforts. 

To address the tech skill shortage, the use of low-code/no-code has grown as it lowers the barrier to entry in app development. To ensure the app runs smoothly, traditional software development necessitates a thorough understanding of the programming language(s), hours of continuous training, deployment processes, and proper testing protocols. Low-code/no-code platforms, on the other hand, eliminate many of these complexities and do the hard work behind the scenes, allowing users to create software programmes that logically work for their teams with very little coding knowledge required.

One of the many appealing aspects of low-code/no-code platforms, particularly for those with little to no coding experience, is their ability to cover a wide range of useful business areas through automation. Low-code/no-code are the keys to unlocking the coding door, whether you’re creating the next company email campaign or customer survey, or looking for real-time organisational insights and workflow automation. 

There’s also a chance that low-code/no-code platforms are being used in your workplace without your knowledge. After all, tools like Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint are nearly ubiquitous in many businesses nowadays, and most non-tech employees use these programmes daily to solve problems in their departments. Such tools are becoming increasingly popular, especially given their ease of use and low learning curve. It makes no sense to have a data scientist and a graphic designer on hand in every team just so it can do its day-to-day work. It’s not only impractical, but it’s also an unsustainable business practice. 

The Rise of Citizen Developers 

“Citizen developers” refers to people who work in non-technical roles such as operations, sales, and human resources. They typically have little to no coding experience. Many businesses have quickly recognised the value that citizen developers can bring to an organisation as a result of their day-to-day responsibilities. Because such employees have first-hand knowledge of the problems that need to be solved and the current tools at their disposal to solve them, their inclusion in the development process should theoretically make the end product more effective and reliable. While an outside developer may be more skilled, they may not fully understand how a team will use their programme or what unexpected issues may arise. 

Nonetheless, while “citizen developers” enable many businesses to enter the world of software development, they should not be viewed as a means of “replacing” qualified developers. In fact, ZDNet argues that, while there is a lot of noise around the hottest programming languages and the evolution of Web3, blockchain and the metaverse, none of this will matter if the industry doesn’t have highly skilled software developers to build them. 

The rise of “citizen developers,” fuelled by the ongoing “Great Resignation” and software developer shortage, is by no means a “temporary” solution to these problems.  They should not, however, be viewed as a long-term solution for companies looking to enter or make an impact in the world of software development. 

Should Entrepreneurs Be Using Low-Code/No-Code? 

As previously stated, the low-code/no-code movement enables anyone with no technical knowledge to bring ideas to life with minimal effort (but rather a lot of creativity). 

While some coding is still required for low-code applications, these platforms are primarily designed for developers (or those with a basic understanding of coding). These platforms are an excellent way for good coders to work faster, especially on menial tasks. 

In contrast, no-code uses visual drag-and-drop interfaces to create a variety of applications without writing a line of code. 

On paper, low-code/no-code appears to be a universal solution that all businesses should implement right away. While there are numerous advantages to using low-code/no-code platforms, there are some important disadvantages to consider before implementing these platforms. 

I won’t go into too much detail about the pros and cons of low-code/no-code platforms because I’ve already covered this in a previous article (which you should definitely check out if you want to learn more about these platforms!).  

There really are some great benefits of low-code/no-code applications. They’re a cost-effective way of building new applications and bringing your new ideas to life. They’re also simple to use, thanks to the use of simple building tools, allowing you to test faster and accelerate innovation. 

However, some training may still be required to fully understand how to implement such applications into both the team and the overall organisation. When implementing these platforms to increase overall efficiency, training teams to become citizen developers can take up valuable time. Also, because these platforms aren’t as widely used as well-known programming languages, the resources required to learn them can also be limited. Furthermore, due to the overall simplicity of these collaborative platforms, one size rarely fits all, with these applications not always meeting the needs of the project. 

There is certainly a debate about whether low-code/no-code applications can truly replace the need for a fully qualified software developer to be on hand. To be honest, as with most applications and tools, it really comes down to the needs of the company, including ongoing projects and the business sector. If you’re a small team with limited financial resources, obviously investing in a low-code/no-code application may be a better option than looking for a developer (especially with an ongoing shortage). 

The most important takeaway is this: Understand your project’s/organisation’s needs thoroughly in order to better understand the limitations of using such applications. 

The Future of Low-Code/No-Code 

According to Emergen Research, the global no-code development platforms market was worth USD 12.17 billion in 2020 and is expected to rise to a value of USD 68.05 billion in 2028, with a revenue CAGR of 24.2% during the forecast period. 

The increasing need for faster application deployment and the rising need to improve productivity are two of the major factors driving global no-code development platforms’ market revenue growth. Increasing demand for paperless management systems across various industries is also expected to boost global market revenue growth in the coming years. 

However, security concerns due to a lack of control and template limitations are expected to stymie growth in the global no-code development platforms market over the forecast period. 

Despite certain disadvantages of low-code/no-code, the rise of these platforms is seemingly unavoidable due to a variety of factors. Firstly, the IT skill shortage will persist in the future, as businesses require more enterprise technologies than ever before. Secondly, platforms will become more powerful, customizable, and refined, making them more accessible to users of all skill levels. These “citizen developers” offer companies with finite resources the chance to provide some competition in a rapidly expanding (and arguably bloated) development market. CEO of Stack Overview, Prashanth Chandrasekar, has stated that the combination of “citizen developers” and low-code/no-code tools “are democratising software development and providing opportunities for more people to build technology, prompting more innovation across industries.” By reducing the entry requirements, low-code/no-code has meant that there are now greater opportunities for talented individuals from non-tech or non-academic backgrounds to enter the field of software development. In fact, according to a 2022 survey by developer recruitment platforms CoderPad and CodinGame, 81% of tech recruiters now readily hire from ‘no-degree’ candidate profiles. 

Nonetheless, Chandrasekar adds that the use of low-code/no-code development platforms is not a guaranteed long-term business strategy. They state that “without taking the time to learn the fundamentals of writing code or the context in which code is used, developers using low-code or code suggestion tools will hit a limit in the quality and functionality of their code.” This echoes the notion that low-code/no-code solutions are not a “one-size-fits-all” business practise.

It is also important to note that we live in a technological age, where “Generation Z” (those born after 1997) have grown up surrounded by smart technology, laptops, smartphones, and IoT devices, making it nearly impossible to avoid technology on a day-to-day basis. 

What does this mean exactly?  

As with most things, the more you are exposed to it, the more aware you become, making you technologically smarter and capable. The use of voice assistants (such as Google Home or Amazon’s Alexa) is a great example of this. Using such systems seemed strange a few years ago, with many people either laughing at the idea of having a digital assistant in the home or being concerned about the possibility of a “Terminator”-style scenario that results in the rise of the machines (starting undoubtedly with your smart fridge). Nonetheless, voice assistants are now arguably well-integrated into many people’s lives (although I still keep one eye on my fridge at all times, just in case). The adoption of low-code/no-code platforms in the workplace can be predicted in the same way, with Gartner predicting that non-IT professionals will build most of our tech products and services by 2024. 

Final Thoughts 

According to Gartner, in the future, applications will be designed and developed by the teams that will subsequently use them. Gartner analysts state that this will make the previous technological and organisational silos of application development obsolete – such as automation, integration, and governance.  

The report goes on to state that, by 2025, 70% of new applications developed by enterprises will be based on low-code or no-code tools, compared to less than 25% in 2020. A big reason for this is the adoption of “citizen developers” by companies looking to compete in the software development market. 

With that being said, the adoption of low-code/no-code will continue to shape the future of software development. Not only has such technology been instrumental in making the world of coding more approachable (and arguably less scary), but it has also closed the knowledge gap for all those involved.

Low-code/no-code can be argued to become the de facto standard method for creating almost any application and will be leveraged to create an eco-system where numerous new apps can be quickly built, tested, and deployed. 

The previous notion has been that low-code/no-code is too early for businesses due to not being scalable nor being able to withstand the number of users. However, as with most technology, their capability and performance will only improve with time. The current limitations to low-code/no-code could soon become obsolete later down the line as this form of technology spreads and improves. 

Zenforms as a No-Code Solution 

Zenforms is a no-code web form application that allows you to create forms and surveys to connect with those who matter the most to you. It is designed to be adaptable, user-friendly, and ideal for collaboration. Its applications are virtually limitless thanks to a wide range of intuitive and creative form-building features. 

Create standalone forms with a single click, without the need for a website. Alternatively, you can embed a form on your existing website using an “iframe.”  

Zenforms enables you to better understand ongoing projects, collect valuable data for the next product launch, or simply collect valuable feedback from your community! 

Perhaps the best aspect of Zenforms is its integration with the rest of the Zenkit Suite! 

Just like other Zenkit applications, Zenforms works in perfect harmony with the rest of the Zenkit Suite! 

So, once you’ve collected your data with Zenforms, you can use To Do to create tasks, Hypernotes to create knowledge bases, Projects to analyse results, Base to structure work, and Zenchat to communicate with your team! 

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No-code is rapidly becoming an essential component of business development. It enables businesses with a limited budget/cash flow (particularly smaller businesses and start-ups) to grow digitally without worrying about a lack of development skills or an inability to find the ideal software developer (who can also be expensive).  

There are numerous mediums in which no-code can be used to improve a business’s self-growth. We’ll be focusing on no-code form builders today, after taking a brief look at no-code app development platforms the other week. 

What Is No-Code Development? 

Before delving into the significance of no-code form builders, it’s perhaps just as important to define no-code development. 

Simply put, no-code development is a typical development cycle with one major difference: there are no coding requirements or the need for in-depth coding knowledge. In no-code development, users can create software and applications using a graphical interface that is both interactive and customisable.

This minor distinction alters the entire dynamic of a typical development workflow. For example, because there is no coding involved, you do not require a large team of developers to create an application or software system for you. 

Simply sign up for a no-code solution that will automate the entire process for you. As we saw the other week, there are numerous examples of app and website builders, automation platforms, backend management tools, and more that enable you to develop without coding. 

The Difference Between Low-Code and No-Code 

If you’ve heard of no-code, you’ve probably heard of low-code as well. While they sound similar, there are some key differences. 

The target audience for low-code platforms is developers. These platforms may require some technical knowledge but do allow good coders to work faster, especially on menial tasks.

A low-code platform may generate fully functional applications or may require additional coding for specific situations. Low-code development platforms can reduce traditional time spent on development, allowing for faster delivery of business applications. A common advantage is that a broader range of people—not just those with coding skills—can contribute to the application’s development.

No-code platforms, on the other hand, are designed for business users. These platforms do not support manual code editing and instead focus on providing the best and most user-friendly user experience possible while abstracting away from technical details. As such, the more straightforward the user interface, the better it is suited to business users.

What Is an Online Form Builder? 

A web form, also called an HTML form, is an online page that allows for user input. It is an interactive page that mimics a paper document or form, where users fill out particular fields. These forms serve as an effective communication link between businesses and website visitors, allowing both parties to exchange information.

One of the most significant advantages of using an online form builder is the ability to create various types of forms for users as well as internal team members. Forms can be easily configured, shared, managed, and used to capture leads, build an email list, create marketing campaigns, gather customer feedback, and so on. 

The Advantage of No-Code Form Builders

A Reduced Learning Curve and Faster Form Building 

As previously stated, no-code applications require no prior coding knowledge to make the most of them and move your idea from the “brainstorming” stage to the “implementation” stage. 

 No-code platforms present form creation in a visual, intuitive environment, allowing new users to navigate form creation independently. 

The easy-to-use tools found in form builders, such as “drag-and-drop” and pre-made questioning formats (checkboxes, multiple-choice, drop-down menus, and so on), make such platforms accessible to anyone, regardless of skill level. 

Cost-Effective 

Code-required form builders (even those that utilise “low-code”) restrict form building to users with a more advanced understanding of technology and app development. Hiring new team members to complete form creation or wasting time attempting to understand a code-based platform results in expensive personnel investments and wasted time. A no-code form builder streamlines and simplifies form creation, allowing any member of your team to master form creation without the need to hire someone new or invest in coding tutorials. 

Continuous Optimisation 

The “drag-and-drop” functionality of a form builder, as well as the ease with which questions can be customised, allows for more frequent form optimisation.

The ability to create form templates in Zenforms, for example, allows you to return to your digital creations and make changes as needed. This means that your forms can continuously grow and be optimised as your business grows and its needs deepen. 

Get Rid of Missed Work Requests and Cluttered Email Inboxes 

You can avoid missing out on important work requests and cluttered email inboxes by using an online form-building tool. Zenforms’ “iframe” feature, for example, allows you to easily embed a form onto your website so that all user requests are automatically added to Zenforms (and thus the rest of your Zenkit Suite database). This eliminates the need to overly rely on third-party platforms like email, streamlining your workflow and reducing cluttered email inboxes. 

Improved Lead Generation  

Creating traffic and leads is perhaps the most difficult task for any business. 

Using an online form builder allows businesses to acquire and differentiate leads based on the information provided by the leads themselves. Contact information for leads is gathered via online forms, and you can use it to promote products, communicate with visitors, and persuade them to make a purchase. 

Usage Simplicity 

One of the primary advantages of online form builder tools, such as Zenforms, is their ease of use. The form’s drag-and-drop functionality enables users to quickly create forms without having to write any code. Furthermore, with its variety of question types, you can easily tailor your form to meet the changing needs of your business and to connect better with your user base. 

Conducting Market Research  

To create a product that resonates with your target audience’s specific needs, you must first understand their expectations and interests. Online form builders can assist businesses in creating customised surveys to collect information about their target audience. The collected data provides you with valuable insights that you can use to identify areas for improvement in your product/services, make well-researched decisions, and stay current on market trends.

Furthermore, when you use an online form builder like Zenforms, all your collected data is compiled into the Zenkit database, allowing you to use the rest of the Zenkit Suite (such as Base & Hypernotes) to analyse your data and create a powerful knowledge base on which to build your business. 

Customisation 

When using an online form builder to manage work requests and other tasks, you can easily customise it to include specific details about your company or project in order to connect with those who truly matter. Adding tailored questions or unique question formats such as drop-down menus or short/long answer sections are just a couple of examples of tailoring your user’s experience to improve their overall experience. 

Reduces Manual Work 

One of the most significant advantages of using an online form builder is its ability to integrate with other apps. This means you won’t have to invest in additional tools, which will save your business money. Furthermore, these tools eliminate the need for traditional pen-and-paper forms, which are both time-consuming and tedious. Data can be collected, organised, accessed, and shared digitally using online form builders. 

Budget-Friendly  

While not all online form builders are inexpensive, apps such as Zenforms provide the complete form-building experience at an affordable price. Zenforms is free to use (along with the rest of the Zenkit Suite), and the team form-building experience can be further enhanced with transparent and cost-effective pricing. 

Zenforms as a No-Code Form Builder

Zenforms is a no-code web form application that allows you to create forms and surveys to connect with those who matter the most to you. It is designed to be adaptable, user-friendly, and ideal for collaboration. Its applications are virtually limitless thanks to a wide range of intuitive and creative form-building features.

Create standalone forms with a single click, without the need for a website. Alternatively, you can embed a form on your existing website using an “iframe.” 

Zenforms enables you to better understand ongoing projects, collect valuable data for the next product launch, or simply collect valuable feedback from your community!

Perhaps the best aspect of Zenforms is its integration with the rest of the Zenkit Suite!

So, once you’ve collected your data with Zenforms, you can use To Do to create tasks, Hypernotes to create knowledge bases, Projects to analyse results, Base to structure work, and Zenchat to communicate with your team! 

Final Thoughts 

Without a doubt, no-code is an impressive and powerful business tool. It opens opportunities that many people previously thought were out of reach without extensive coding knowledge or the assistance of a professional. Now, businesses can be self-sufficient and learn to grow digitally.   

With no-code form builders, businesses and individuals are offered an affordable and reliable means of connecting to their user base. This opens the door to a better understanding of user needs and, as a result, a more sustainable and effective business model and practice. 

Thanks to no-code form builders like Zenforms, you can start the conversation with questions, not code.

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