End-User Guidance

Key Recommendations

1. Clear Instructions for Image Capture

Provide users with specific guidelines for taking clear photos of receipts. Consider including the following user tips.

User Guidelines for Receipt Photos

• Ensure the photo clearly shows key receipt details (e.g., merchant, amounts, date)
• Take the photo with as little angle or blur as possible
• Avoid capturing background text
• If possible, use receipts free of damages or rips
• Upload the receipt/invoice from the supplier, instead of from the contractor (if applicable)

2. Example Images

Show users examples of good and bad receipt images:

• Provide visual examples of well-lit, clearly visible receipts
• Demonstrate common mistakes to avoid (e.g., glare, shadows, partial images, background clutter)
• Consider creating a side-by-side comparison of "good" vs "bad" photo examples

E.g., Here are two ideal examples compared with two less ideal examples (due to background text and high angle)

3. Real-Time Feedback

• Implement immediate feedback mechanisms:
  • Image quality checks before submission
  • Confirmation of successful upload
  • Clear error messages for failed submissions

4. User-Friendly Interface

• Design an intuitive submission process:
  • Simple, step-by-step flow
  • Clear calls-to-action
  • Progress indicators for multi-step processes

5. Education on Accepted Receipt Types

• Clearly communicate which types of receipts are accepted:
  • List eligible receipt types (e.g., store receipts, restaurant bills)
  • Explain any limitations or special requirements

6. Privacy and Data Security Information

• Reassure users about the security of their data:
  • Explain how receipt data is used and protected
  • Provide links to privacy policies

7. Troubleshooting Guide

• Offer a comprehensive FAQ or troubleshooting section:
  • Address common issues users might face
  • Provide solutions for typical error scenarios

8. Support Channels

• Make it easy for users to get help:
  • Provide clear contact information for support
  • Consider offering live chat or in-app support options

Implementation Ideas

1. In-App Tutorials: Create interactive tutorials or walkthroughs for first-time users, incorporating the specific user guidelines mentioned above.
2. Video Guides: Develop short video clips demonstrating the receipt submission process, highlighting the do's and don'ts of taking receipt photos.
3. Tooltips and Hints: Use contextual tooltips to provide guidance at each step of the process, reinforcing the user guidelines.
4. Feedback Loop: Regularly collect user feedback to identify and address common pain points in the photo-taking process.
5. Visual Aids: Implement a gallery of example images showing "good" and "bad" receipt photos to guide users on achieving optimal results.

Benefits

• Improved accuracy of receipt scans
• Reduced need for manual review and corrections
• Enhanced user satisfaction and engagement
• Lower support ticket volume

Considerations

• Over-complicated instructions may deter some users
• Different devices and operating systems may require slightly different guidance

Conclusion

By implementing these end-user guidance best practices and specific photo-taking tips, you can significantly improve the quality of receipt submissions and enhance the overall user experience of your application.