423837 - Human readable collection results

Status: RESOLVED INCOMPLETE

(Toolkit Graveyard :: Data Collection/Metrics, enhancement)

Description

[u88484]

Instead of just showing the xml file contents when opening about:metrics, can it be converted into a human readable format like saying 'Clicked back button XXX times', 'Right-clicked on link -> open in new tab XXX times'?

It would just be more fun for the users of Spectator is actually be able to figure out exactly what data is collected and to see the numbers.  Everyone likes data...hell, even providing an over number of times something was done and being able to chart it out would be sweet.  (Not requesting charts here though)

Comment 1

[Alex Polvi]

Great idea!

We could easily expose the data via a web service. We would just need the GUID that is generated by Spectator. 

Maybe a good model would be for mozilla to provide raw, complete XML logs for individuals. Then we can all work together to do the light processing and visualization layer client side. 

Let me know what you think!

Comment 2

[u88484]

Does spectator create an indiviual GUID per install?  I haven't examined the complete source code yet so I'm not sure and not sure exactly how it works.

I think about:metrics should continue reporting raw data but have a link on the top that opens a new tab that has many options and reports user-friendly results.  Options as in graphing everything possible (ie., daily useage, page loads, clicks on back button etc..)  Would probably be a lot of data but as long as it's client side, I wouldn't see any problems it could cause...no load on servers and stuff.

Although, it would be nice to see the results from all Firefox users, not just myself.  I guess that is what you were talking about with the light processing and visualization lay client side?

Comment 3

[Alex Polvi]

(In reply to comment #2)
> Does spectator create an indiviual GUID per install?  I haven't examined the
> complete source code yet so I'm not sure and not sure exactly how it works.
> 

Yes. You can find yours by visiting about:config and looking for the 'extensions.mozilla.metrics.client-id' pref

> I think about:metrics should continue reporting raw data but have a link on the
> top that opens a new tab that has many options and reports user-friendly
> results.  Options as in graphing everything possible (ie., daily useage, page
> loads, clicks on back button etc..)  Would probably be a lot of data but as
> long as it's client side, I wouldn't see any problems it could cause...no load
> on servers and stuff.
> 
> Although, it would be nice to see the results from all Firefox users, not just
> myself.  I guess that is what you were talking about with the light processing
> and visualization lay client side?
> 

Yes, I was talking about farming out as much as possible to the client. I guess if we're doing stuff server side anyway... might as well just spit out a webpage server side too... hmm...