First Run Setup

Congratulations on installing InsightLens! This guide will walk you through the initial setup process to get you up and running quickly.

Welcome Screen

When you first launch InsightLens, you’ll be greeted with a welcome screen that provides:

  • Quick overview of InsightLens features
  • Setup wizard for initial configuration
  • Sample data option for exploring features
  • Links to documentation and help resources

Initial Configuration

Step 1: Database Location

The first important decision is where to store your survey database.

Default Location

  • Windows: C:\Users\[username]\InsightLens\surveys.db
  • macOS: ~/InsightLens/surveys.db
  • Linux: ~/.local/share/InsightLens/surveys.db

Custom Location Options

Cloud Sync Folder (Recommended)

  • Place database in Dropbox, OneDrive, or Google Drive folder
  • Enables automatic backup and sync across devices
  • Example: ~/Dropbox/InsightLens/surveys.db

External Drive

  • USB drive or external SSD for portability
  • Useful for traveling between offices
  • Remember to safely eject before unplugging

Network Location

  • Shared network drive for team access
  • Requires stable network connection
  • Consider permissions and backup strategy

Setting Database Location

  1. Click “Choose Database Location” on welcome screen
  2. Browse to your preferred folder
  3. Click “Select Folder”
  4. InsightLens will create surveys.db in that location

Step 2: Privacy Settings

InsightLens is designed with privacy in mind. Configure these settings:

Data Storage

  • ✅ Local Storage: All data stays on your device
  • ✅ No Cloud Processing: Survey data never sent to external servers
  • ✅ Encrypted Database: Survey responses are encrypted at rest

AI Features (Optional)

  • Completely Optional: AI features can be disabled entirely
  • Your Choice of Provider: OpenAI, Claude, or local models
  • No Data Sharing: Survey data is not sent to AI providers
  • Query Only: Only your questions are sent, not survey responses

Step 3: Initial Data

Choose how to start using InsightLens:

Option A: Import Sample Data

  • Pre-loaded with realistic sample survey data
  • Perfect for exploring features and learning
  • Can be deleted later when ready for real data

Option B: Start Fresh

  • Empty database ready for your survey imports
  • Clean slate for production use
  • Can add sample data later if needed

Option C: Import Existing Data

  • If you have survey PDFs ready to import
  • Skip sample data and start with real surveys
  • Follow the import guide

Feature Tour

After initial setup, InsightLens offers an optional guided tour:

Dashboard Tour

  • Overview Cards: Key metrics at a glance
  • Quick Charts: Immediate visual insights
  • Recent Activity: Last imported surveys
  • Quick Actions: Common tasks and shortcuts
  • Sidebar Menu: Main navigation and features
  • Quick Insights: Trending data and alerts
  • Settings Access: Configuration and preferences
  • Help Resources: Documentation and support

Chart Tour

  • Interactive Elements: Hover and click features
  • Filtering Options: Drill down into data
  • Export Capabilities: Save charts and data
  • Customization: Personalize your views

Settings Overview

Access settings anytime via the sidebar menu:

Database Settings

  • Location: Change database path if needed
  • Backup: Schedule automatic backups
  • Export: Create data export files
  • Maintenance: Database optimization tools

Display Settings

  • Theme: Light or dark mode
  • Chart Colors: Customize visualization colors
  • Font Size: Adjust for readability
  • Language: Select interface language

AI Settings (Optional)

  • Provider: Choose AI service (OpenAI, Claude, local)
  • API Key: Enter your API credentials
  • Model: Select specific AI model
  • Connection: Test and verify setup

Privacy Settings

  • Analytics: Usage data collection (opt-in)
  • Crash Reports: Error reporting (helps development)
  • Updates: Automatic update checking
  • Telemetry: Performance monitoring (opt-in)

Verification Checklist

Before proceeding, verify your setup:

  • Database Location Set: Confirm database is in desired location
  • Sample Data Loaded: Or ready to import real data
  • Navigation Familiar: Understand sidebar and main areas
  • Settings Configured: Basic preferences set
  • AI Setup Complete: If using AI features
  • Backup Plan: Database backup strategy in place

Common First-Run Issues

Database Creation Failed

Symptoms: Error message about database creation Solutions:

  • Check folder permissions
  • Choose different location
  • Run as administrator (Windows)

Sample Data Missing

Symptoms: Empty dashboard after selecting sample data Solutions:

  • Restart application
  • Manually import sample data
  • Check database location

Tour Skipped Accidentally

Solutions:

  • Access Help > Feature Tour anytime
  • Visit dashboard overview documentation
  • Explore settings menu

Next Steps

Once first-run setup is complete:

  1. Explore the Dashboard - Get familiar with the main interface
  2. Learn Sidebar Navigation - Understand the menu system
  3. Import Your First Survey - Start with real data

Quick Tips for New Users

Start Small

  • Begin with one semester of data
  • Learn features before importing large datasets
  • Use sample data to practice

Explore Freely

  • Click around and explore
  • Most actions are reversible
  • Database is backed up automatically

Use Quick Insights

  • Check trending data regularly
  • Set up alerts for concerning trends
  • Review quick recommendations

Customize Your Experience

  • Adjust chart colors to match your institution
  • Set up personalized dashboard views
  • Configure notification preferences

Getting Help

If you need assistance during first run:

  • In-App Help: Click help icons throughout the interface
  • Documentation: Access full guides from Help menu
  • Video Tutorials: Step-by-step visual guides
  • Support: Email support@insightlens.app for personal assistance
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