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Get Up and Running

This guide will walk you through setting up Dashboard Dilemas and completing your first dilemma workflow, from database configuration to viewing analytics.
1

Install Dependencies

First, install the required Node.js packages for database operations:
npm install mysql2 dotenv
Or using your preferred package manager:
# Using pnpm
pnpm add mysql2 dotenv

# Using yarn
yarn add mysql2 dotenv
These dependencies are used for database setup scripts and initial configuration.
2

Configure Database Connection

Create a .env file in your project root by copying the example file:
cp .env.example .env
Update the .env file with your MySQL database credentials:
DB_HOST=localhost
DB_USER=your_username
DB_PASSWORD=your_password
DB_NAME=wordpress_db
Make sure your MySQL database exists before proceeding. The setup script will create tables but not the database itself.
3

Initialize Database Schema

Run the database setup script to create the necessary tables:
node scripts/setup-db.js
This script creates the core tables:
  • de_app_clients - Client organizations
  • de_app_areas - Organizational areas/departments
  • de_app_users - Platform users
  • de_app_games - Dilemma scenarios
  • de_app_game_questions - Questions within each dilemma
  • de_app_answers - User responses
  • de_app_sessions - User sessions and progress
The setup script creates the table structure. You may need to manually add initial data or use SQL import scripts for sample content.
4

Start the Development Server

Launch the development server:
npm run dev
The dashboard will be available at http://localhost:3000 (or your configured port).
5

Access the Admin Dashboard

Navigate to the dashboard in your browser. You should see the central dashboard view with key metrics:
  • Total active users
  • Participation rates
  • Completion statistics
  • Recent activity
If this is your first time accessing the dashboard, metrics will be empty until you create clients and users.
6

Create Your First Client

Set up your first client organization:
  1. Navigate to Clientes (Clients) in the main menu
  2. Click Agregar Nuevo Cliente (Add New Client)
  3. Fill in the client details:
    • Company name
    • Contact information
    • Any additional metadata
  4. Save the client
This client will serve as the parent organization for users and dilemmas.
7

Create Organizational Areas

Organize users by departments or business units:
  1. Go to Áreas (Areas) in the navigation
  2. Create areas for your client (e.g., “Human Resources”, “Sales”, “Operations”)
  3. Link each area to the appropriate client
Areas help you segment users and generate department-specific reports.
8

Add Users

Invite participants to the platform:
  1. Navigate to Usuarios (Users)
  2. Add new users with:
    • Name and email
    • Client assignment
    • Area assignment
    • Unique access code (generated automatically)
  3. Users will receive invitation emails with their credentials
Each user must be associated with both a client and an area for proper tracking and reporting.
9

Configure a Dilemma

Create your first gamified ethical dilemma:
  1. Go to Dilemas (Juegos) (Dilemmas/Games)
  2. Create a new dilemma and assign it to your client
  3. Navigate to Preguntas (Questions)
  4. Add questions to your dilemma:
    • Question text and scenarios
    • Multiple choice options
    • Correct answers
    • Difficulty level
    • Point values
Make sure to mark the correct answers for each question. This is essential for calculating user scores and completion status.
10

Monitor Participation

Track user engagement and performance:
  1. Visit the Dashboard to see real-time metrics
  2. Check Analíticas (Analytics) for the participation funnel:
    • Users who logged in
    • Users who started a dilemma
    • Users who completed a dilemma
    • Drop-off rates at each stage
  3. Review Premiados (Winners) to see top performers
The analytics funnel helps identify where users are getting stuck or losing engagement.
11

Generate Certificates

Award completion certificates to successful users:
  1. Navigate to Certificados (Certificates)
  2. Review users who have completed dilemmas
  3. Generate and send PDF certificates
  4. Track certificate delivery status
Certificates can be customized with user names, completion dates, and performance scores.

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Next Steps

Now that you’ve completed the basic workflow, explore these advanced features:

Analytics Deep Dive

Learn how to use advanced analytics and reporting features

Email Automation

Set up automated reminders and weekly reports

Admin Workflows

Master common administrative tasks and best practices

Database Schema

Understand the database structure and relationships

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Need Help?

The platform includes automated cron jobs for email reminders (cron_email_reminders.php) and weekly reports (weekly_report.php). Configure these to run on your server for automated user engagement.

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