I have a data field in the Connect IQ store called Walker. As the app became semi-popular I started seeing emails from users requesting help with installation on what seemed like a near daily basis. Initially I created a standalone FAQ website, linked from the app description, with step by step instructions for installation on my own watch model, the fenix 5X. I have since expanded that FAQ with instructions for other models but users weren't reading it. My app is offered for free - it's something I built for my own use and decided to share, and I simply don't have the time or the patience to respond to the same question over and over, week in week out: "how do I install this on my [watch model here]?"
Out of desperation I wrote in the app description in all caps that installation help requests would be ignored and prominently linked my FAQ page, then when that didn't stop the emails I set up an auto-responder on my email to junk installation help requests and reply with an apology, offering my email address to discuss anything not installation related. This is a terrible way to treat users, but for me it was either that or take the app down.
This isn't the users' fault - the configuration of data fields is convoluted and disorienting, and inconsistent between watch models. Literally everyone I've asked who has a Garmin watch has no idea how to do it. I suspect that's partly because I don't think we use data fields the way Garmin intended - they were clearly intended to be embedded in a multi-field layout, not to take over the rendering of the entire screen as all the popular ones do. It shouldn't be the user's responsibility to go hunting on YouTube for installation videos, but I feel like Garmin could and should do more to guide users through the configuration steps for their specific watch model with some documentation linked prominently from the app download page and a link to their own technical support instead of leaving users with "Contact Developer" as their only option.
Has anyone else experienced this problem with user installation help requests, and what did you do about it? It's completely put me off every releasing another data field in the Connect IQ store, which is a shame because it seems like such an unnecessary problem to be faced with.
