This year, we made some improvements to our online application system. Before going live, we tested the system with a team of HCTF applicants drawn from a range of sectors (government, NGOs, independent consultants, etc.). This testing process drove further refinements to the application system, which went live on September 17^th, 2014.

In December (as a follow-up), we invited all HCTF applicants to participate in a survey to better understand their experiences with the online application system. 50% of those individuals completed the survey, providing detailed information and some great suggestions that will help us streamline our HCTF Online process for next year.

We haven’t analyzed all of the details yet, but we can give you a quick summary of the feedback we received on the overall application experience:

• 60% of respondents found the application to be easy. If there were any problems, they were resolved quickly.
• 23.8% described the experience as moderate. Although problems were resolved, it took some effort and time.
• 16.2% found the application process difficult, requiring more time and effort to troubleshoot and resolve the issues.

Some issues were relatively widespread, others were more specific to individual circumstances. In general, problems were most often caused by one or more of the following:

• Type and version of browser used to access the form. Google Chrome appeared to work best.
• Type and version of operating system used.
• Type and speed of internet connection, and the presence of network settings in larger organizations (such as government offices). Satellite connections were not compatible.
• Program timing out.

Thank you again to all who applied to HCTF this year, and for your valuable feedback – both in the survey and in personal correspondence to HCTF. We will be reviewing the feedback and making refinements to the system, and we look forward to improving HCTF On-Line in time for this fall’s application intake!