Understanding Connection settings on Vygo

The Connection Settings feature, located within your programme’s settings space, allows programme admins to define how members and supporters can engage and connect with each other.

Purpose

This setting determines the connection pathways available in your programme, giving you control over whether users connect freely, through recommendations, or by invitation.

How to Access

Go to your programme’s settings.
Select Connection settings.
You will see three toggle options that control connection methods.

Connection Options

Members Choose Their Own Supporter

Description: Members (students) can browse and select their preferred supporter (mentor) directly.

Use Case: Ideal when you want members to have autonomy in choosing who they work with.

Supporters Connect With Members

Description: Supporters (mentors) can view and reach out to members (students) to form a connection.

Use Case: Useful in mentor - led programmes where supporters take an active role in initiating connections.

Recommendations

Description: Members (students) are automatically recommended as supporters based on the programme’s Matching Criteria. They can then choose to connect with one or more from the list.

Use Case: Best for ensuring matches are informed by programme goals and user profile data.

Tips for Programme Admins

You can enable one, two, or all three connection options depending on your programme’s needs.
If no options are selected, users can only connect via the Connection Wizard.
Regularly review these settings to ensure they align with your engagement and matching strategies.

Matching Criteria

Every match is built on a points-based system. Criteria are assigned different priority levels depending on their importance:

Mandatory (100 points): Non-negotiable factors — members must match on these to be considered. (e.g., same time zone).
High (75 points): Strongly preferred for meaningful alignment. (e.g., shared career field).
Medium (50 points): Helpful for compatibility but not essential. (e.g., common hobbies).
Low (25 points): Adds a minor bonus if matched. (e.g., same preferred contact style).

This approach ensures critical requirements are met while still rewarding areas of shared interest.

The Matching Process

The system uses a structured process to generate fair and effective recommendations:

Scoring Answers

Both users’ answers are checked and compared.
Points are awarded based on matching criteria.
Partial matches are adjusted where allowed.
Final score is shown as a percentage (0–100%).

Generating Recommendations

Each member is scored against all valid supporters.

Low scores are filtered out.
Matches are ranked from highest to lowest.
Shared attributes are logged (e.g., “Matched on availability”).

Fair Distribution Algorithm

To prevent imbalances, the system uses a two-phase process:

Phase 1: Priority Assignment

Members with fewer good matches are assigned first.
Supporters with fewer existing connections are prioritised.

Phase 2: Fill Remaining Slots

Remaining members are matched with their best available supporter.
All matches stay within the max-connection limit.

This prevents overloading popular supporters, underutilising others, and missing opportunities for members with limited options.

Results Storage & Review

Once the system completes its process:

Each member’s top supporter is saved.
A full ranked list of potential supporters is stored.
Match scores and criteria are recorded.
The batch status changes to Ready.

Admins can then review, adjust, and finalise matches with full transparency.

Key Benefits

For Members:

Matched with the right person based on shared context, not randomly.
Have fallback options if the first match doesn’t work.

For Supporters:

Receive a fair distribution of connections.
Are paired with members they can genuinely help.

For Admins:

Save hours compared to manual matching.
Gain visibility into match reasoning and strength.
Retain control of the final outcome.

Reviewing Match Results

When reviewing, admins can see:

Match Score: A percentage (e.g., 88%) showing overall compatibility.
Matched On: A summary of why two users were matched (e.g., “Similar goals,” “Same availability”).
Alternative Options: Other possible matches with lower compatibility.

This lets admins fine-tune pairings or confidently approve the system’s suggestions.