Customer Registration and User Preferences

Since this is the first post on the progress of the web application, it only makes sense for us to start with an update on customer registration and user preferences.

For someone who is interested in using the application, they will have to create a free account. We want to make this as painless as possible, while still keeping the security of our customer’s data in mind. The past few weeks we have focused on the sign up process which included the creation of registration forms and easy to follow instructions for things like password complexity.

New User Authentication

When developing the registration process, we incorporated the use of email authentication to grant new users access to the application. When a new user registers, the system will send them an “account activation” email to the email address they provided at sign up. In addition to helping us combat spammers and bots, this authentication protocol will also help users who accidentally mistyped their email address when signing up.

Down the road (and depending on customer desires), we may also consider implementing two-factor authentication which will allow customers to add an extra layer of security to their account. Two-factor authentication just means we will text you a code to your mobile phone and you will then use that code in combination with your username and password. For now though, we are keeping things simple by only using email authentication.

RELATED ARTICLE: Storing Your Data

Privacy Preferences

In addition to the registration process, we have been working on user preferences–including privacy wishes. The feedback we received from the last trade show we attended included people’s desires to be able to choose which information about their collection they wish to share.

To start with, we are designing a “Global” privacy setting to make it is very easy for users to include or remove their items from public view. For those users who want to share their recent relic pickups on social media sites or forums, we will also create settings that allow users to choose which items are public and which should remain private. The goal is to give our customers full control over the visibility of their collection down to an individual item.

Although we will offer customers the ability to share their collection with the public (if they so choose), some information will always be hidden. Things like phone numbers, addresses, and item values will only be accessible by the customer. As we develop the application further, we will make clear what can be shared and what cannot.

What is your preference? Do you want to share items from your collection with friends? Do you prefer that no one knows what is in your collection? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below, on social media, or shoot us an email. We’d love to hear your thoughts!