Fixing Inconsistent Terminology: Next Contact Date Vs. Follow-Up

Hey guys, let's dive into a little terminology hiccup we've spotted in our system. It's all about keeping things consistent and crystal clear for everyone using the tool. We're going to break down an inconsistency that arises after running the sortcadence command, specifically concerning how dates are labeled. This can be a real head-scratcher, so let's get it sorted!

The Issue: Next Contact Date vs. Next Follow-up

The core of the problem is this: after you run the sortcadence command, the success message cheerfully announces, “Sorted all persons by next contact date.” Sounds straightforward enough, right? But then, when you peek at the details panel for a selected contact, you see the same date presented as “Next follow-up.” Wait a minute, are these the same thing or are they different? This inconsistency, using two different terms for what is essentially the same concept, can lead to confusion and raise unnecessary questions, especially for new users or those still getting to grips with the system. Imagine you're trying to quickly understand when to reach out to someone next, and you're faced with this minor, yet irritating, semantic puzzle. It's like ordering a soda and being asked if you want a "fizzy beverage" instead – technically correct, but not exactly user-friendly. We want to avoid any such ambiguity to make the tool as intuitive as possible, ensuring everyone is on the same page. This includes testers, who may be left wondering if these labels reflect distinct fields with varying behaviours. Remember, a consistent user experience is key, so let's iron out this wrinkle!

Steps to Reproduce the Confusion

So, how exactly does this inconsistency manifest itself? Let's walk through the steps to reproduce this little terminology tango:

1. Set the Stage: First, make sure you have at least one contact in your system who has a cadence set up. Also, ensure they have at least one interaction recorded. This is important because the “Next follow-up” field only shows up if there's a cadence in place and some interaction history.
2. Run the Command: Now, type in and execute the command: sortcadence. This command, as the name suggests, is designed to sort your contacts based on their upcoming contact dates.
3. Observe the Discrepancy: Keep a close eye on two key areas:
   • The Top Result Message: After running the command, the system will display a message, usually at the top, confirming the action. You'll notice it says: “Sorted all persons by next contact date.”
   • The Details Panel: Select any contact from the sorted list. In the details panel on the right-hand side, look for the field labeled “Next follow-up: ”. You'll see a date displayed there.

The juxtaposition of these two labels – “next contact date” in the result message and “Next follow-up” in the details panel – reveals the inconsistency we're addressing. It's like the system is speaking two slightly different languages, and our job is to translate it into one clear and unified voice.

The Expectation: One Term to Rule Them All

What we should be seeing is a single, consistent term used across the entire user interface and in all messages. Ideally, we'd stick to one label, say, always using “Next follow-up,” so users immediately understand what's being sorted and displayed. This eliminates any ambiguity and ensures everyone is on the same wavelength. Think of it as having a unified vocabulary within the tool, making it easier for users to navigate and comprehend the information presented to them. Consistency is key to a smooth user experience, and standardizing the terminology helps achieve that. By using the same term everywhere, we remove a potential source of confusion and improve the overall usability of the system. It's a small change, but it can make a big difference in how users perceive and interact with the tool.

The Reality: A Tale of Two Terms

Currently, here's what we're facing:

• Result Message: Displays “next contact date”.
• Details Panel: Shows “Next follow-up”.

This divergence, although subtle, introduces a potential stumbling block for users. It might lead them to question whether “next contact date” and “Next follow-up” refer to the same thing, or if they represent distinct concepts with different implications. Such questions can detract from the user's focus and create unnecessary cognitive load. By unifying these terms, we can streamline the user experience and ensure everyone is on the same page.

The Impact: Minor, but Worth Fixing

Okay, let's be real, this isn't a show-stopping bug that's going to crash the system. However, it is a minor clarity and consistency issue that can potentially confuse users, especially those who are new to the tool or still learning its intricacies. It might even lead testers to wonder whether these are actually different fields with distinct behaviors. While it might seem like a small thing, addressing this inconsistency contributes to a more polished and professional user experience. It demonstrates attention to detail and a commitment to making the tool as intuitive and user-friendly as possible.

The Environment: Where We Found It

Here's the environment where this inconsistency was observed:

• OS: Windows 10
• Java: 17
• Build: Current alpha JAR
• Evidence: A screenshot has been provided to visually illustrate the issue: “next follow up vs next contact.png” (see above).

Knowing the specific environment helps to ensure that the fix is targeted and effective. It also provides context for other developers who might be working on similar issues.

The Solution: Let's Standardize!

So, what's the fix? It's pretty straightforward: standardize on one term. And our recommendation is to go with “Next follow-up”. Why? Because it's already being used in the details panel, which is a key area where users look for this information. Sticking with this term ensures consistency and reduces the need for users to mentally translate between different labels.

Here's the specific update we need to make:

• Update the sort result message to: “Sorted all persons by next follow-up date.”
• Update the user guide to reflect "Sorted all persons by next follow-up date message

This simple change will eliminate the inconsistency and make the tool more user-friendly.

Acceptance Criteria: How We Know We've Fixed It

To ensure that the fix is properly implemented, we need to verify the following:

• Running sortcadence shows: “Sorted all persons by next follow-up date.”
• Details panel still shows: “Next follow-up: .”
• No other instances of “next contact date” remain in user-facing text (UG/Help/Tooltips/Status messages). This means we need to do a thorough sweep of the entire user interface and documentation to ensure that the term