It helps me remember the parameters I was pulling last and I can use it to give me hints for dialing in futher shots.
It has a very convenient interface which I can bring up on my phone. I can also rather easily change the questions or options on the fly if I need to modify the stuff I am logging with the form.
I've decided to share my template for anyone who is interested in doing the same:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1acm3x_ ... sp=sharing
Setting Up Your Own Shot Log
Here is how you can copy the template to use and edit as you wish:
- You will need a Google Account.
- Click the link above.
- At the top right next to your account image there will be three vertical dots: click that button and then choose Make A Copy
- Name the form whatever you wish. Make sure to leave the ""Share it with the same people" box unchecked or your form will become public.
- If this is your first Google Form it may ask you to Take a Tour of Google Forms. It might be a good idea: it is short and informative.
- You will now be on the edit screen for your form. Here you can add or delete questions or make changes to existing ones.
- Since I almost exclusively use lever machines now my inputs are geared toward a lever user. Feel free to change them to match your prep / machine.
- If you want to check out what your form will look like when you enter data in it or you are ready to log your first shot click the 'eye' preview button.
- You will then be in the live form. Bookmark this live form for further use, especially on your phone.
This means if you forget the Make a Copy step then you will be editing my template rather than one of your own. Don't do that.
Consuming Your Responses
At any point you can see your logged shots by going into your Google Drive and checking out the [YOUR FORM NAME HERE](Responses) Google Sheet. Google Forms also has some sort of graphical results view which is cool to see my overall trends but not quite as useful for dialing in as seeing the most recently logged shots for a particular coffee.
How you rate a shot on the Sour<-->Bitter and Bland<-->Aggressive scales can help you dial in your next shot according to Jim's graphs in Espresso 101: How to Adjust Dose and Grind Setting by Taste