What is End to End Testing? Why is it Important?

Testing is an important phase of the software development life cycle. The more regress and more extensive the testing is, the lesser are the chances of defects and software breakdown. The defects in the end products are not only because of the functional part of the application but can also arise because of the system and sub-systems integration, error in the back-end database, etc.  As a result, you require the assistance of end to end testing
What is End to End Testing?
End to End Testing
As the name suggests the process is used to tests the software from start to end.
E2E testing is also used for testing software that not only authenticates the Application under test but also validates its integration with external interfaces.
E2E can test batch/data processing from upstream/downstream systems. It is generally conducted after functional and System Testing.
To simulate real-time settings, it uses data and test environment. The process is called Chain Testing. It is conducted to test real-world scenarios like communication of the software with the network, hardware, database, and other applications. It also helps in determining the dependencies of software.
When to Apply End to End Testing
The process should only be conducted if there is a problem in the system or the output is not as expected. The team then has to record and analyze the data to define the origin of the issue.
End to End Testing Life Cycle

  • Test planning: Test planning as in usual software testing life cycles specifies the major tasks, schedule, and resources for the testing process, which is the same for end-to-end testing also.
  • Test design: Test design deals with test case generation, test specifications, usage analysis, risk analysis, and scheduling tests.
  • Test execution: the actual test execution takes place in this step and the test results are documented.
  • Results analysis: Test results are analyzed and compared here.

End to End Testing Process
End to End Testing Process

  • Analyze the testing requirements for testing
  • Set up your test Environment and determine hardware/software requirements.
  • Define the system and its subsystems procedures.
  • Describe roles and responsibilities.
  • Describe testing methodology and standards
  • Track requirements and design test cases
  • Create Input and output data for all the system and sub-systems involved

How to create End-to-End Test Cases?
Example of End to End Testing

  1. Build user functions
  2. Build Conditions
  3. Build Test Cases

Build User Functions
Build user function includes the following activities:

  • Make a list of system features and associated components
  • Make a list of input data, action and the output data
  • Determine the relationships among various functions
  • Identify if the function is reusable or independent

Example of End-to-end Testing
Let us explain it with the help of an example of a banking system. Where you log in to your account and transfer the amount to another bank (3rd party sub-system)

  1. Login into your bank account
  2. Check the balance
  3. Transfer amount from your account to another bank account (3rd party sub-system)
  4. Check amount details after transfer
  5.   Logout

Build Conditions based on User Function
Following activities are performed as a part of build conditions:

  • For every defined function, build a set of conditions including timing, sequence, and data conditions

For example for
Login Page check for

  • Incorrect User Name and Password
  • Correct username and password
  • Password strength
  • Error messages

Build a Test Scenario
For the user function, build the test scenario
In this case, build test scenarios

  • Login
  • Checking bank balance amount
  • Transferring the bank balance amount

Why is End to End Testing Important?
New software systems are very complex and have multiple subsystems. If any of these sub-systems fails. The complete software system could fail. This could be avoided by E2E testing.
It tests the entire system flow, increasing test coverage to multiple sub-systems. It detects issues with sub-systems and hence decreasing the chances of the whole system going corrupt because of the bug in any sub-system.

E2E testing tests all the layers of the software from front-end to the back-end, its interfaces, and final endpoints. It makes sure the software is tested both from users and real-world scenarios. It hence allows evading risks by

  • Checking the complete flow of the software
  • Increasing test coverage
  • Detecting more issues
  • increasing the total productivity of the software

Other Reasons For Performing End to End Testing are:

  1. Tests the Back-end

It helps in testing the back end of the software. as it is very evident that the functioning of the software depends on its back-end database. Hence testing this layer helps to identify how properly can the software perform its function.

  1. Identifies Errors in Diverse Environment

It helps to test, heterogeneous, distributed, cloud, and SOA-based environments. It also helps detect issues in multiple components of the software.

  1. Validates App Behavior over Multi-Tier Architecture & Systems

E2E testing helps in testing the behavior over Multi-Tier Architecture & Systems. It tests the complete functioning of connected systems.

  1. Ensures Correct Interaction & Experience

It makes sure that the software interacts properly and offers a smooth experience across various platforms and environments.

  1. Conducts Repeatable Tests at Different Points & Processes

End-to-end testing helps execute repeatable tests for various processes of software happening at multiple points of transactions.
It also validates complete software and sub-systems flow, enhancing the test coverage and trust in software performance.
Metrics For End to End Testing

  • Test Case preparation status
  • Weekly Test Progress
  • Defects Status & Details
  • Environment Availability 

Difference Between End to End Testing Vs System Testing

                E2E Testing

System Testing

Tests the software including all its sub-systems. Tests the software as per the requirement specification.
Tests end-to-end process flow. Tests features and functionalities
Tests all interfaces, backend systems Only Functional and Non-Functional Testing
It is done after system testing It is done after Integration Testing.
Since it involves testing complex external interfaces that are difficult to automate,  Manual Testing is generally chosen for E2E testing. System testing can be conducted using both  Manual and Automation

End to End Testing Methods
There are two ways in which E2E testing can be conducted. Both give the same results, but based on their pre-requisites and advantages, we can choose the better method for our E2E testing needs.
Horizontal E2E testing
Horizontal E2E testing is largely preferred by the testers for their E2E testing needs. In horizontal E2E testing, we test every workflow through a discrete application from beginning to end to test if the workflow works perfectly fine.
Vertical E2E testing
Vertical E2E testing is used for critical modules of a complex system. It tests the systems in layers, in short, testing, is conducted in sequential, hierarchical order. It also tests the software from beginning to end for the all-inclusive testing.
End-to-End Testing Automation
E2E testing automation is similar to the automation of other types of testing. E2E testing automation helps in easy execution of test cases and then comparing and reporting and analyzing results. Automation does not require human intervention and is largely preferred for teat cases that require long hours to execute.
As the main aim of E2E testing is all-inclusive testing of the software from the beginning to end, automation testing helps in increasing test coverage and hence reducing the chances of defects.
E2E testing automation also helps in testing of software that are multilingual or requires a large amount of data.

Read also : 8 Website Testing Trends of 2020 You Need To Know!

It is possible to test the applications, which are multilingual with the help of E2E testing automation. Also, when the amount of data is in huge amount, it is preferable to take the help of E2E testing automation.
In short E2E, automation testing is no different from any other automation testing. But in the E2E testing when you have to test various complex external interfaces like sub-systems, integrations and backend databases, automation of E2E testing becomes very difficult and manual testing is preferred for E2E testing in such cases.
Framework For End to End Testing 
Framework For End to End Testing
System and the subsystems testing
The system can be referred to as a functional unit of the system and it is connected to various sub-systems like databases. Interfaces, etc. in E2E testing we test for all of these frameworks. E2E after testing all the functional aspects of the system tests for the information being shared among the various peripherals of the system and also the proper working of various peripherals.
Vertical 
Vertical E2E testing is used for critical modules of a complex system. It tests the systems in layers, in short, testing, is conducted in sequential, hierarchical order. It also tests the software from beginning to end for the all-inclusive testing.
Black box testing 
Black box testing or behavioral testing, test the performance errors, input/output errors, terminating and initializing errors and functional errors. In black-box testing, the input is given and output is validated. It has nothing to do with the internal code.
White-box testing
The line by line testing of the code is referred to as white box testing. The testers are required to have good programming language skills for white box testing.
Horizontal 
Horizontal E2E testing is largely preferred by the testers for their E2E testing needs. In horizontal E2E testing, we test every workflow through a discrete application from beginning to end to test if the workflow works perfectly fine.
Testing Tools For End to End Testing
Selenium and Protractor are two popular testing tools for E2E testing in web UI development. Cypress, TestCafe, and TestComplete are other prominent testing tools used.
Benefits of End to End Testing
#1. Ensures Complete Correctness of software
#2. Enhances Confidence in software
#3. Reduces Future Risks
#4. Decreases Repetitive Efforts
#5. Reduces Costs & Time
#6. Checks database as well as the back end layer of an application.
#7. Increases test coverage
#8. Different points of the software can be multiple times.
#9. App behavior in complex architecture can be put to the test
#10. Software interaction and UX can be measured
#11. Complicated apps can be divided into multiple tiers for testing.
benefits of end to end testing
Conclusion 
End to end testing verifies software system along with its sub-systems. It is conducted out after system and functional testing and ensures maximum risk detection. For these types of testing, you should have good knowledge of the complete system and interconnected sub-system.

Testbytes esteemed client gets listed in Forbes 30 under 30 list. Congrats Saumya and Gaurav!

Days back, exactly on December 3, 2019, Forbes released their ninth annual 30 under 30 list to honor innovative and hardworking young business minds. The list contains 600 promising entrepreneurs who were daring enough to take the risk and emerged successfully out of sheer courage.
In total there are 20 categories and from that, 30 brave young souls thwere selected from each category. And, one of the main criteria to compete in this prestigious evaluation was that the entrepreneurs have to be less than 30 years old.
The candidates who passed the initial stages had to go through rigorous scrutiny by the expert and experienced Forbes team.  Because of this reason alone, the people who emerged victoriously can prestigiously bear the shining emblem of lifelong reputation.
Talking about categories, the 600 torchbearers were selected from 20 industries such as,

  1. Art and style
  2. Consumer technology
  3. Food and drink
  4. Retail and e-commerce
  5. Enterprise technology
  6. Hollywood and entertainment
  7. Education
  8. Games
  9. Finance
  10. Healthcare
  11. Marketing and advertisement
  12. Media
  13. Science
  14. Energy
  15. Social entrepreneurs
  16. Sports
  17. Big money
  18. Venture capital
  19. Music
  20. Law and policy

The intention behind explaining this is to wholeheartedly congratulate two people who got selected.
As a software testing and quality assurance company, Testbytes proudly announce that our former client who has been a crucial part of our QA journey has made it to the list.
Saumya Bhatnagar and Gaurav Bhattacharya are the founders of the company involve soft and they were included in the list for their innovation in developing a platform that helps organizations in communicating with their employees in an efficient way to make sure that they are aligned with the workflow of projects. The company has its head office in Santa Monica USA.
Fame is not something new for them. The dashing duo was in limelight before solely because of their innovative ideas
Talking about working with them, it was an absolute pleasure. The whole process was easy because of the clearly defined requirement and streamlined communication. The association was long and lasted for approximately a year.
Since we make sure that our client does not have to go through any complication owing to us, we make sure that we get all the data and necessary arrangements that need to be done in making the project a 100% success. So it was a kind of perfect combination of two people who had the perfect idea of what they are doing.
Coming back to the prestigious title awarded by Forbes to Saumya Bhatnagar and Gaurav Bhattacharya, The duo was selected from 15,000 online submissions and from the huge list; only 600 are awarded this title.
An achievement indeed!
Once again, we truly wish success in all the future endeavors of involvesoft and Saumya Bhatnagar and Gaurav Bhattacharya and a hearty appreciation for being a part of such a prestigious list.
We also wish our vast clientele who wish to be  get enrolled in this esteemed list, good luck
 

What is Split Testing? Why is it important?

Imagine that you have launched or even revamped a website that has been your business forefront for a long time. Obviously there will be concern and anxiousness. But to make sure that the change works there is a process in existence. The name of the process is Split testing!
What is Split Testing?
The process allows you to compare various versions of websites to test which version offers a better conversion rate. In split testing, the page traffic is randomly distributed over various versions of the website.
split testing
The software used for the purpose tracks and analyze the performance of each of these versions to recognize which converts the maximum visitors to the leads. Split testing will find the version with the maximum conversion rate.
Need For Split Testing
The process provides qualitative feedback about the user’s experience of your website. It helps you identify the barriers that are stopping the conversion of your visitors into the leads.
The process gives you a report on which version of your website the conversion rate is highest and with which version do your users interact the most.

Why You Have to Choose Split Testing For Your Website?

  • It can be performed on any website: Split testing is not confined to any specific types of websites and can be executed for all types of websites.
  • Increased ROI: If you choose the correct A/B testing tool, split testing will not cost you high and will give you better returns. It helps you select the best version of your website, which will give you better conversion rates, hence the higher average order value and hence the greater turnover.
  • It is Easy: Not that complicated to execute, you can easily execute split testing to get desired results.
  • It is most suited for low-traffic sites: split testing is the only method to test the website conversion rate for low-traffic sites. It is also easy to distribute the traffic and analyze the results when the traffic is low.

How to Pick the Best Split Testing Tool?
A good tool not only performs testing but also analyses results and proposes steps to get better results.
A good tool should include all the necessary features like:

  • Data Insight: A good tool should offer data insights to recognize the customer journey.
  • Marketing Campaigns: It proposes a marketing campaign to improve your website marketing.
  • Usability: The tool should be easy to use.
  • Personalized experience: It should provide a personalized experience to reach the right audience.

Top 5 Split Testing Tool
Now when you the features of the good split testing tool, here we have for you a few of the best split testing tools. You can use any of these tools to identify the best website version for you.

  • Google Optimize: Being a Google product, there is no second thought on its capabilities. It is integrated with Google analytics for added advantage. It supports MVt and has an editor for both code and images.
  • Oracle Maxymiser: For more sophisticated campaigns, Oracle Maxymiser is the right choice. It offers a personalized experience and helps you target the exact user. The visual editor makes it easy to use and to create your rules directly. It provides a good analytics report.
  • Convert Experiment: It is easy to use the tool, with a live chat feature to assist you in your queries. It is integrated with Google analytics for better analytics.
  • Apptimize: If you have a responsive website design, then Apptimize is the best tool for your purpose. It supports mostly all coding languages
  • Adobe Target: Supported by Adobe marketing cloud, this tool is the best choice for enterprise based websites that can support a distinct test team. This tool supports real-time changes to the website.

How to Do Split Testing?
You should know the test factor and testing scenarios that are important to test. Usually, split testing is conducted when there are major changes to the website.

  • Relaunch of your website: you can get better results with less code implementation using CMS. It is very beneficial for websites and web pages where major changes take place.
  • Back-end heavy tests: The process can execute easily on websites and web pages with back-end heavy tests. It helps in the immediate and successful deployment of variation without any additional by developers.
  • Page copy length: Though short-form copy is better, it is on split testing to decide which is better after all things are data-driven and let data decide the actual scenarios.
  • Page copy position: positioning your content on pages is very important, but there are no fixed rules as to which position is best and will give you the best results, so let split testing do its work.
  • Sign up workflows: When you validate two versions of sign up processes, it is good to run the test. As it requires the implementation of less code and also enhances the overall performance.

Step by Step Methodology For Split Testing
You have to follow a systematized approach to execute the process. the steps you can follow are:
Step 1: Analyse Website Data
As a start, begin with website data. Deploy any website analytics tool to analyze your website data and its weak points. It will help you to find the right approach and prioritize your split testing.
Step 2: Create a Hypothesis
Split testing is never based on your personal opinion; it is driven by facts and data analysis. Make a hypothesis on which you want your testing to be based, you will later know on what basis the results are based on. A strong hypothesis will also help you know your specific goals.
Step 3: Test Your Hypothesis
Since now you have your hypothesis ready, create a new version based on it and test it against the original page.
Step 4: Make data-driven decision
Based on the results, decide which version of your website offered you better results. Your decision should be based upon the data obtained from the test.
5 Factors For Successful Split Testing
A few tips that you should follow to have successful split testing:

  • Choose the right one: There are two types
  1. A/B testing
  2. Multivariate testing (MVT)

A/B testing compares two versions where only one variable is different, while MVT can test multiple variables at a time. Depending upon your requirement and hypothesis choose the better option for your split testing.

  • It’s not a one-time process: Many companies test for split testing once and are satisfied with its results, but for growing your business you should continue to split test your website, to get better traffic and conversion rate on your website.
  • Make a correct hypothesis: Deciding upon which factor you want to test upon is a very crucial task. Don’t just randomly pick any testing variable, spend some time and use an analytical tool to decide the correct test variable.
  • Track the correct information: Always be assured of the deciding factor while execution.  The split test focuses on that factor only. If your aim is to attain a larger number of people reading your blogs, then make it your deciding factor and track it while you conduct split testing.
  • Focus on both short term and long term results: It is important to focus on both short term and long term results to get a deep insight into split test results.

5 Important Fields that You Should Consider While Split Testing 
Following fields play an important role in building your online presence.

  • Headlines: It is important to test headlines while performing split testing. Headlines are the deciding factor for the visitors to decide whether to stay or leave the page.
  • Offers and promotions: People are generally attracted by offers and promotions and they play a great role in lead conversion. The way you exhibit offers and promotions play a great role in capturing the users. So split test various ways to exhibit the offers and analyze their results.
  • Calls to Action: They are the communicating link between the users and the web page. Their placement, color, size, text, etc. should be properly verified in the test.
  • Colour: Colours have a great psychological effect on users; always test the usage of colors to get better returns.
  • Online advertising: Online advertising on various platforms like Google, Facebook, Instagram, etc. play a great role in marketing. Use tools like Google Analytics or Facebook analytics to validate your advertisements.

Who Should Implement Split Testing?

Difference Between Split testing and A/B testing

Split testing

A/B Testing

Control version is compared with entirely different version of a website Control version is compared with websites that has small changes
It’s better to use split testing when there are major changes Can be used to optimize the existing page
Can be used to find out one design direction is better than the other Can be used to test one variation of a variable and that too even on a single page

Conclusion
In the scenario where the world is dependent on the web for all its needs and it has become the most popular platform to get access to your requirements, you need to build your reputation to get ahead of your competitors.

Getting ahead based on your assumptions is not a right and long-lasting method. You need to get hold of some more reliable ways to assure your success.
And split testing is one reliable method to get more visitors and leads. To assure that you carry out split testing for your websites and web pages.

What is Agile Testing? Process, Methodology and Strategies

The agile Testing methodology has gained a lot of importance and popularity nowadays when it comes to software testing modern-day software. It is an intelligent way of testing complex software that bears more efficient end results than traditional testing methods.
This is a complete guide to Agile Testing, explaining all the important aspects related to it.

What is Agile Testing?
Agile testing is an iterative and incremental testing process in which software requirements are gathered gradually throughout the testing process.
Agile Testing is a part of the Agile Software development process which is carried out with the help of customer’s involvement. The agile testing process starts at the beginning of the software development process and there is no integration required between the development and testing processes.

As the development and testing are integrated into this process, it allows early error detection and removal which results in less development time as well as costs. This also ensures high product quality as errors get removed in the initial stage itself.
The basic principles on which Agile Testing is conducted are:

  • Agile testing is a continuous process and it ensures smooth project progress.
  • Product and business requirements are realized through continuous feedback. Feedback are provided on an on-going basis.
  • In Agile Testing, the development team, testing team, and the customers, all are involved in the testing process.
  • There is very little documentation required in Agile Testing as all the testers us a reusable checklist instead of lengthy documents. The main focus is on the test in this process.
  • The errors are resolved by the testing team as and when they occur, in the same iteration. This results in simpler and clean code.
  • Traditional testing is performed after the software is developed. However, agile testing is performed along with the development process which helps reducing development time.

Agile Testing  Methodology
Agile Testing  Methodology
TDD (Test Driven Development)
As the name suggests, the test-driven development approach starts with the test itself. It depends upon the repetition of the development cycle.
The first step in this development cycle is to create a unit test case. The next step involves creating the code which fits the test case so that the test case can be run. Thus, the entire code is created until the unit test passes.
This test is usually performed with the help of automated testing tools and run on units and components of the code.
ATDD (Acceptance Test Driven Development)
In this testing methodology, the developers, testers and the customers together build an acceptance test from the point of view of the customers in order to understand the requirements of the customers.
The code is developed according to the acceptance test case created.
This testing method is very customer-centered, and the main aim is to get to develop a program according to the user’s perception.
BDD (Behaviour Driven Development)
BDD is built on the same principles as TDD and ATDD. Thus, the code is developed according to the test case created in this testing methodology too.
The main aim of this development is to focus on the identification of business needs and outcomes. The development should be related to a business outcome.
The steps that are followed in BDD are:

  • First, describe the behavior
  • Creating the test case
  • Writing code according to the test case defined
  • Continuing the process until the code passes the test case.

Exploratory Testing
In this software testing methodologies, the testers have complete freedom to explore with the code and develop the most efficient software.
The testers create multiple test cases in order to explore each aspect of the software functionality. Testers perform different tests and record the process to study it and figure out the exact flow of the software.
This type of testing is a very important part of the agile test as it helps uncover hidden risks from the software which could not have been detected by simple testing methods.
Session-Based Testing
Session-based testing is built on the principles of exploratory testing. However, unlike exploratory testing which is conducted spontaneously without any planning, there is some structure in session-based testing.
This structure is provided by conducting tests during uninterrupted sessions where testers are required to report the tests that took place during the process.
The session-based testing methodology also helps in finding hidden bugs and defects in the software.
Agile Testing Life-cycle
agile testing life cycle
There are 5 phases in the Agile Testing Life-cycle:

  •  Agile Test Planning

The first phase is creating Agile Test Plans. In this phase, all the stakeholders: developers, testers, customers and users, come together and plan testing schedules.

  •   Daily Scrums

The goals and targets of the day are set at the start of each day. It helps testers realize the status of the testing.

  • Test Agility Review

Agility reviews are performed frequently in the development process. These are done to analyze the progress of the development.

  • Release Readiness

In this phase, testers decide which assess which features are completely developed and ready to go live and which ones need to go back to the previous development phase.

  •  Impact Assessment

This phase is the feedback phase of the life cycle which helps testers set goals for the next life-cycle. The inputs and feedback are collected from users and stakeholders to perform an impact assessment.
Agile Test Plan
Agile Test Plan
The Agile Test plan includes all the types of testing performed in a particular iteration. It includes the following:

  • It defines the test scope, sprint goals, test and extent to which the test is to be performed
  • It specifies the testing tools to be used, data and configurations for the test and the environment in which the test will be performed.
  • It schedules the test tasks and frequency of tests, i.e. how many times will they be performed.
  • It defines the testing methods and techniques
  • It also determines the expertise and training required to carry out tests.
  • It sets the priority of the tests according to the customer’s point of view.

Agile Testing Strategies
agile testing strategies
iteration 0
Process involved

  • Initial stages of testing such as tester selection, selection of testing tools, resource allocation, testing method selection, etc.
  • Risk identification
  • Cost estimation
  • Boundary condition establishment and scope defining

Construction iteration
This process can be divided into two confirmatory testing and investigative testing. confirmatory testing is performed to make sure that the product satisfies all the requirements of the stakeholders.
Investigative testing is performed to test deep and find all the issues that are ignored in confirmatory testing.
confirmatory testing can be again divided into agile acceptance testing and developer testing. Both the tests can be automated to make sure that continuous regression testing happens
Agile acceptance testing is a combination of functional testing as well as acceptance testing. on the other hand developer testing is a mix of unit testing and integration testing
Production
Once the release stage is completed the product will move on to the production stage
Agile Testing Quadrants
agile testing quadrants
The Agile testing quadrant divides the entire testing process into 4 parts. This makes the Agile testing process easy to understand.
Among the 4 quadrants, the left 2 tell the testers which code to write and the right 2 quadrants help them understand the code better with the help of feedback to the left quadrants.
Quadrant 1
This quadrant focuses on the quality of the code. It includes test cases and test components that are implemented by the testers.
These test cases are for automation testing to help to improve the code.
Quadrant 2
This quadrant contains business-driven test cases which are also implemented by the testing team.
The main focus of this quadrant is on customer requirements. It improves the business outcomes of the software being created.
It contains the following tests:

  1. Testing scenarios which may occur and workflow
  2. Testing the user experience
  3. Performing pair testing

Quadrant 3
This phase provides feedback for the previous two phases.
There are many iterations of reviews and feedbacks carried out in this quadrant which helps to strengthen the code.
Usability tests, exploratory tests, user acceptance tests, and collaborative tests are performed in this quadrant.
Quadrant 4
The non-functional requirements of the code, such as performance, security, scalability, etc. are taken care of in this quadrant.
Testing for stress and performance is carried out in this phase. Security and infrastructure test, data migration and load testing.
This quadrant makes sure that the code satisfies all the non-functional requirements.
 Difference Between Agile Testing Vs Waterfall Testing

 Agile Testing Waterfall Testing
Incremental approach Sequential process
The project will be divided into sprints The project will be divided into a sequential process
Meant for small projects Meant for all sort of projects
Starts at the beginning of the product and changes in the middle is not an issue The product can be only tested at the end of the project
unstructured More secured
Less priority for documents High priority
Testers and developers can work together Both testers and developers have to work separately

Advantages of Agile Testing

  • saves time and money.  Because the testing is carried along with the development. The errors and bugs are fixed at the same time and no additional time s required to test the entire software, find errors and solve them.
  • There is little to no documentation required in Agile testing as testers use reusable checklists.
  • Feedback is also a part of the Agile testing life-cycle and users give feedback after each process iteration.

Conclusion
Agile Testing is the best testing methodology for the modern-day software which is highly complicated and requires in-depth testing.
This testing methodology is very customer-centric. It requires high customer involvement in order to deliver a better quality of software that meets customer and user expectations.

This testing demands a high level of communication between developers, testers as well as customers and users as they all work together in testing the software.
Agile testing allows testers to be flexible and incorporating any requirement changes is very easy in Agile development.
This testing is becoming increasingly popular among major software development companies. It is a smart way of testing and the end result is of better quality too.
agile testing pdf

What is Remote Usability Testing? Why is it Crucial?

Remote usability testing has opened a new horizon for software testing. Imagine an unknown user testing your website who has no pre-occupied thoughts about you and your business sounds effective, isn’t it? Let’s dig deep into the process.

  1. What is Remote Usability Testing?
  2. Why is it needed?
  3. When to Perform Remote User Testing?
  4. Moderated Remote User Testing
  5. Benefits of Moderated Remote User Testing
  6. What is UN-Moderated Remote User Testing?
  7. How to Run a Remote Usability Testing?

What is Remote Usability Testing?
Remote Usability Testing
Remote Usability Testing is a technological process that allows you to perform research of the participants, with the help of different tools and virtual vendor services of Remote Usability. This procedure plays a vital role in decision making and for the massive success of your product.
You can observe and grab the answers from real-life users by following specific steps:

  • Display your service or product in front of the participants
  • Ask them to complete different tasks
  • Carefully observe the participants behavior throughout the journey of test
  • Interact and communicate with them while they are completing the analysis

Why is it needed?

It is a unique set of test procedures that will enhance your ability to understand how real-life customers are reacting to your service or product. You can learn and improve their products exclusively for targeted precious customers.

It is a specific job to run remote user tests frequently for your valuable website. Most of the websites will be having their precious users scattered across the globe and therefore persuading the customers to do the remote user testing by visiting them personally could be a challenging task.

There are methods available to conduct the same test through well qualified online tools. It might take just 20 to 30 minutes that involves a few simple tasks. Since the users need not worry about traveling, but merely participate in the test from their home or office within their comfort zone, it is likely that they agree without much concern.

The remote user testing can be “moderated” or “un-moderated” according to the methods implemented to complete the tasks.

When to Perform Remote User Testing?

Certain factors make it inevitable to consider remote user testing. Let us analyze a few conditions that lead us to this conclusion:

1)  There might arise issues in managing the schedules which in turn will hinder the in-person testing, because of the timelines.
2)   The targeted participants are usually dispersed geographically, which makes traveling difficult and least preferable.
3)   The participants find it difficult to use a particular working device as per the software requirements.
4)   Multiple tests can be conducted potentially.
5)   The participants gave the flexibility to use their equipment or software essentially.
Moderated Remote User Testing
 
Moderated Remote User Testing

In Moderate Remote User Testing, Participants are carefully observed by interacting with them while they are completing the test and performing the given tasks. Moderate Resting could be considered as the ultimate choice for completing a structured complex set of tasks, where more interrogation and interaction will highly benefit the procedure. Following the guidance, steps need to be considered while conducting a moderate Remote User Testing

  • First, you should define the Remote User test and then decide the set of tasks that you will assign to customers to complete and also any other question as a follow-up process.
  • Schedule properly and inform the timings of the test sessions.
  • You need to understand the participant’s capability and provide enough space and time during the test sessions so that they can resolve the technology issues correctly without many complications.

Moderated Remote User Testing will allow you to assign the performance of multiple tasks based on the interview. You can ask the participants to follow up questions. Ensure that every person has completed the test. Check and analyze according to the plan.

According to the methodology or technology used, you can efficiently analyze certain types of metrics including time on task, completion rate of the task, the time is taken to complete the task, time taken for finishing a single web page, opinion or satisfaction rankings, and pathway covered by the clickstream.

Benefits of Moderated Remote User Testing
Moderated Remote User Testing is advanced and the best option with two significant advantages.

  • The first benefit that both the moderators and participants will enjoy during the moderated Remote user Testing is the ability to interact with the customers participating in the test. Moderators can ask to follow up questions regarding the comments etc.
  • The second benefit is the flexibility and complete control that accompanies the moderated Remote user testing. By this method, the moderators are provided control of the whole test session, and they can efficiently channelize and guide the participant, in case they are getting off track. You can eliminate or shift tasks according to the requirements.

What is UN-Moderated Remote User Testing?
unmoderated Remote User Testing

The researchers and moderators automate their study using a particular software program. The participants will be attending the test by performing a list of pre-determined tasks. The screen and the voice will be recorded, and they will complete the task by thinking out loud. Participants are the actual decision-makers regarding place and time. A virtual tool will be installed and used for participating, recording the test session and provide honest feedback.

Once the participants complete the tasks, the researchers will be receiving the recorded video results of the participants for review. Un-moderated Remote User Testing does not allow the researcher to communicate in real with the participants during the test. But the researchers can send follow up questions or just interact with the participants, after viewing the recorded test session.

How to Run a Remote Usability Testing?

  • If you are the moderator, it is essential that you define the Remote User test and decide the list and order of the tasks you plan to ask the participants to perform.
  • The next step is to determine the list of participants. Most of the un-moderated testing software tools will allow the moderators to recruit or intercept users from the own list of tool developers participants or select them from your Official website.
  • Prepare and determine the recording capability of the particular screen sharing service and keep it working for the test.
  • Choose the perfect contestants who are your targeted customers.
  • Include research questions with rich quality and analyze the feedback.
  • In case the participants have some visual defects or not familiar with the screen sharing services then make sure they are assisted by a person with knowledge of screen sharing tools.
  • Most of the un-moderated testing software tools will generate test results automatically for your analysis.


Conclusion

Remote User Testing is a wonderful combination of comfort and technology, which allows you to conduct the test for huge participants at much reasonable price rates. Every methodology of user research software has unique advantages and limitations. Therefore it is crucial that you analyze the different Remote User Testing tools and choose the one which is perfect for your research.

Yes! Experienced tester helps But User testing is a combined process

1. User-based testing/UAT is gaining momentum at present. Do you think user-based testing is necessary or relying on experienced testers like you is the safest option?

 
– UAT has always been crucial and the most important activity in a testing lifecycle.  The most astounding benefit of UAT is that apart from measuring performance it can be also used to monitor the human interaction level or the engagement level of an app.  Talking about users, in a usual case, the app will be used by many people ranging from technical experts to people who don’t have an idea about how an app works. UAT can be used as a validation tool to make sure that an app has met its requirement specification and can be easily used any kind of users
Answering the second part, yes! “Experience” helps a lot in UAT. To be precise, you need experienced testers to carry out user testing smoothly. So it’s a combined process where user and the tester are equally important.
 

2.  Security threats are increasing day by day Unfortunately app development is not focusing that much on security. On the other hand, even OS is releasing security patches as a safety precaution. Do you think app development companies should give much more focus on security?

 
Users are the king and it is important to ensure that their data is secure in your app database. If you fail to safeguard user’s precious data, there is a high chance that it can be stolen or manipulated, injected with a virus or cloned to create a doppelganger of your app. ultimately you may end up wasting all your resources spent in development and end up ruining your business reputation. Thus app development companies should give more focus on security

3. Apps are now being deployed globally aiming at the market all over the world.
Owing to the same do you think crowdsource testing should be put to practice more or will it gain momentum in the future?

 
-True. We can also say that this is a current trend and future prospect of the mobile app market deploying globally for the world’s customers. Having already seen a huge growth in the crowdsourcing sector, it’s clear that the future holds even bigger and better possibilities for crowd testers.
 

4. When it comes to mobile app compatibility, developers would like to get feedback from testers since testers are more used to various Oss. As a seasoned tester, what advice would you like to give them?

 
An ideal condition for healthy app development would be
Developers and testers working together, Seamless communication between testers and developers and testers included in the very first of the project itself
When it comes to developing the compatibility factor of a mobile app,
Developers should always rely on testers inputs without hesitation and developers should ask for their feedback as much as possible because
1. Testers spend more time testing entire product so they have an added advantage of knowing the product better
2. Testers deal the app from a customer perspective. So they are in a better position in understanding the fitment of the product and the market
 

5. Since testers are used to various types of apps in a particular domain, do you think they can give proper advice to app developers regarding what will work and what won’t? If so don’t you think testers also need to perform the competitive analysis?

 
-Yes, testers can give proper advice to developers regarding what will work and what won’t. Talking about competitive analysis, there is no doubt that testers should perform the task of competitive analysis during their testing activities. The competitive analysis not only gives the amount of knowledge about the similar products in the market but also helps in identifying the strengths & weakness of our product

Software Testing Tutorial For Beginners

We are sure you are here because you want to know what software testing tutorial is all about and how will it take you to the next level of your career. Before we start, software testing methodologies of verifying and validating that all the bugs/faults in a software product are resolved and is fit for use by the end user.

Software testing doesn’t just stop at fixing all the bugs, but building a strategy that can improve the products usability, accuracy and reliability. In this blog, we’ll help you understand the concepts and techniques involved in the process which will certainly help you to decide if this is the right profession you are looking for.
software testing tutorial
Software testing can be divided into two paces:

  1. Validation
  2. Verification

Validation is referring to various types of pre-specified tasks to ensure it matches with the customers’ requirements. It involves tasks like automated testing, running scripts and checking functional dependencies.
Whereas, Verification refers to checking the tasks that make the product actually run in its real-time. It involves reviewing the test cases, inspections, and documentation

Some key differences are as follows:

S. No               Validation           Verification
1 Does the final product actually meet what was proposed? Is the product built with respect to the requirements?
2 Automated & Manual Testing Document reviews, inspections and walk-throughs
3 Execution of application required Does not require execution of software

Types of Software Testing
If you ever had to visit a training institute or an interview, you certainly must have heard the terms automation and manual testing. Well, that’s nothing but types of testing. So let us classify these two:
Manual Testing:

Manual testing is the process undertaken by a tester himself to check if the systems perform as expected. In other words, the testing is done without using any automated tool or script.
The Manual Tests include a set of test cases defined by the tester and then each case is verified for their respective functions. To do this, the tester has to follow some steps:

  • Requirement Analysis

To successfully run manual tests, you should first know what the application is all about and what output is expected from its behaviors. For this, you need to analyze its requirements and study it thoroughly. By doing this you will know what you are testing and makes reaching your goal a lot easier.

  • Writing Test Cases:

A well-written test case allows you to understand and run the tests with ease. It is like a guide that supports you during your testing process. There are many software’s now that allows you to tip down those cases. While you write the tests, make sure you think like an end-user. After-all you are testing it for them.

  • Regulate the Test Cases

Once you are done writing all test cases, it’s time for executing each one of them. Jot down the “Passed”, “Failed” and “Skipped” tests and leave the rest for the developers to fix.

  • Logging of Bugs

Once you identify the state of the bugs, make sure you follow a proper medium to communicate them to the developing team. A lot of developers prefer using the Mozilla Bugzilla, which is an add-on to the browser.

  • Reporting

The final steps expect you to report any additional assumptions and conditions which couldn’t be marked. Also mention suggestions to improve validations and processes.
Automation Testing


Automation testing, as the named suggests, is automated. It differs from manual testing in a way that uses automated scripts for running the test cases. It is a boon in today’s testing market.
Automated tests are basically conducted on large projects, which otherwise would consume a lot of time in manual. Some companies also run automation after the manual to make sure all the test cases are covered. Follow the below steps before proceeding with your automation tests.

  1. Learn and decide what tests to automate
  2. Test as often as you can
  3. Selecting the right tool for automation
  4. Make sure each test has its own contribution towards the efforts.
  5. Have quality data in hand
  6. Create automated scripts that can accommodate changes in the UI

When should you opt for automation testing
Always go for test automation if:

  1. The project is large and complex
  2. The project requires continues testing for the same area
  3. Time constraints
  4. The software is stable with respect to manual tests.

Tools for automation tests:

The Techniques of Software Testing
Believing you now have a clear idea of what software testing and its types are, let’s see the techniques used. There are 2 techniques defined in software testing:
1. Black-Box Testing
Black Box Testing deals with the internal working of the system where only the system coder has access to the source code. Hence, while testing, the tester has to perform the tests under the guidance of the developing team for inputs and outputs.
Black box testing clearly separates the tester’s and developer’s point of view to look at the software.  Hence is well-suited for large code segments of the project. But certainly, this complicates the designing of test cases.
2. White-Box Testing
White Box testing deals with the program logic and structure of working. For this, you need to first understand the internal working of the code, which is easier than working with the code.
Since the user has an understanding of how the code functions, it’s easier to identify the data to be tested. That’s why it’s also called as glass-box testing or open-box testing.
Levels Of Testing
During testing, you come across various levels of steps. In this section let’s have a brief look at these.
The Levels are divided into 2

  • Functional Testing
  • Non-Functional Testing

Functional Testing
Functional testing is performed when the actual software development is taking place ensuring that all its requirements are met. Not to forget, the test is performed only when a piece of the module is complete.
The process involves 5 steps:

  1. Defining the functionality to be checked
  2. Creating the test cases
  • Comparing the output based on the test cases
  1. Execution of test cases and writing scenarios
  2. Comparing the actual and expected results

Functional testing can be performed by the following tests:
1) Unit Testing: The tests are conducted before the program is handed to the testing team for executing test cases
2)Integration Testing: This testing is done by putting together parts of the application to determine if they together functional properly.
3) System Testing: This testing tests the whole system as one. Once all the system components are integrated, it is checked for the working on specified quality standards.
4) Regression Testing: Many times, when there is an unplanned bug in the system testing, there are possibilities that it might have affected or will affect other components in the system. In such a case, regression testing is carried out.
5) Acceptance testing: Considered as one of the important tests in the functional testing phase, acceptance testing is done purely by the Quality Assurance team. They check it for the final specification meeting the requirements.
6) Alpha Testing: A test conducted by the QA team and the developers, which combines all of the above tests for a final review before it’s tested by the end-users.
7) Beta Testing: The final test before its release, the beta test is done by a chosen audience. The audience may be any non-technical team or a group of new users. The application is run in real-time to check the application runs as expected.
Non-functional Testing
Non-functional testing deals with bugs that are caused by any external factors like network, database processing, client-side downtime, etc. The non-functional testing types include:
1) Performance Testing
Identifies any performance issues that affect the speed, stability, and reliability of the application. Performance testing can be further divided into Load testing and Stress testing based on its qualitative and quantitative aspects.
2) Security Testing
As the name implies, security testing checks for flaws related to the security of the program. It includes confidentiality, validations for inputs, attacks due to SQL insertions, scripting and virus attacks, etc.
Conclusion

So the reason is much simpler now, you know what you deserve in a tester’s career. So if you are a beginner, make sure you understand all the aspects of testing well before jumping in. We will be happy if you are even halfway through to deciding your career in testing. Take your first step towards being an excellent tester.

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Black Box Testing Techniques with Examples

What is black box testing?

Black box testing refers to a software testing method where the SUT (Software under Test) functionality is tested without worrying about its details of implementation, internal path knowledge and internal code structure of the software.

This method of testing is completely based on the specifications and requirements of the software.

The focus of the black box testing is upon the output and inputs of the software system rather than the program’s internal knowledge.

The system that undergoes this type of testing is considered as the “black box”, and it can be any software like a database, website or an Operating System.

black box testing

What Is The Purpose Of Black Box Testing?

Black box testing focuses on testing the complete functionality of the system as well as its behavior.

This testing method is also referred to as behavioral testing and functional testing.

This testing method is critical during the stages of software testing life cycle like regression testing, acceptance, unit, system, integration and software development.

The techniques of Black box testing are beneficial for the end users who wish to perform software verification.

Techniques of Black Box Testing

The following are the techniques employed while using Black box testing for a software application.

BVA or Boundary Value Analysis:

It is one among the useful and critical Black box testing technique that helps in equivalence partitioning. BVA helps in testing any software having a boundary or extreme values.

This technique is capable of identifying the flaws of the limits of the input values rather than focusing on the range of input value. Boundary Value Analysis also deals with edge or extreme output values.

Equivalence Class Partitioning:

Equivalence Class Partitioning

This technique of Black box testing is widely used to write test cases. It can be useful in reducing a broad set of possible inputs to smaller but effective ones.

It is performed through the division of inputs as classes, and each class is given a value.

It is applied when the need for exhaustive testing arises and for resisting the redundancy of inputs.

State Transition Testing

 

This technique usually considers the state, outputs, and inputs of a system during a specific period.

Based on the type of software that is tested, it checks for the behavioral changes of a system in a particular state or another state while maintaining the same inputs.

The test cases for this technique are created by checking the sequence of transitions and state or events among the inputs.

The whole set of test cases will have the traversal of the expected output values and all states.

wish to know the difference between functional and non-functional testing?

Decision Table Testing:

In some instances, the inputs combinations can become very complicated for tracking several possibilities.

Such complex situations rely on decision tables, as it offers the testers an organized view about the inputs combination and the expected output.

This technique is identical to the graph-based testing technique; the major difference is using tables instead of diagrams or graphs.

Graph-Based Testing:

This technique of Black box testing involves a graph drawing that depicts the link between the causes (inputs) and the effects (output), which trigger the effects.

This testing utilizes different combinations of output and inputs. It is a helpful technique to understand the software’s functional performance, as it visualizes the flow of inputs and outputs in a lively fashion.

Error Guessing Technique:

This testing technique is capable of guessing the erroneous output and inputs to help the tester fix it easily. It is solely based on judgment and perception of the earlier end user experience.

Apart from the above-explained popular techniques of this testing, there are few more, such as the fuzzing technique, all pair testing and orthogonal array testing.

Examples of Black Box Testing

The example given below throws light on how the techniques of this testing can be used to test the specific software with given inputs

While considering a shopping scenario,

  • Shop for $500 and receive a discount of 5%
  • Shop for $1000 and receive a discount of 7%
  • Shop for $1500 or more and receive a discount of 10%

With the help of Equivalence partitioning technique of this testing, it is possible to divide inputs as four partitions, amount less than 0, 0 – 500, 501 – 1000, 1001 – 1500 and so on. The details such as the maximum limit for shopping and the product details will not be considered by this testing technique.

When boundary value is added to the partitions, the boundary values will be 0, 500, 501, 1000, 1001 and 1500. With the BVA technique, the lower and upper values are usually tested, so values like -1, 1 and 499 will be included. Such values will help in explaining the behavior of the input values in software.

According to State Transition Testing technique of Black box testing, when a shopper shops above $1500 two times in a month, their status gets changed from Gold to Platinum, and if he does not shop for the next 2 months, the status gets back to Gold. Using further test cases, it is possible for the tester to such complex track.

Types of Black Box Testing

There are several phases of which are segregated into different types, such as regression testing, unit testing, beta testing, integration testing, system testing, functional testing, load testing, etc. But, the prominent types are explained below.

Functional Testing:

This type of testing is useful for the testers in identifying the functional requirements of a software or system.

Regression Testing:

This testing type is performed after the system maintenance procedure, upgrades or code fixes to know the impact of the new code over the earlier code.

Non-Functional Testing:

This testing type is not connected with testing for any specific functionality but relates to non-functional parameters like usability, scalability and performance.

Difference between Black Box Testing and White Box Testing

Used to test software without knowing the internal structure of the software Performed after knowing the internal structure of the software
Carried out by testers Performed by developers
Does not require programming knowledge Requires programming knowledge
Requires implementation knowledge Does not require implementation knowledge
Higher level testing Lower level testing
Consumes less time Consumes a lot of time
Done in the trial and error method Data domains and boundaries can be tested
Types of black box testing
1. Functional testing
2. Regression testing
3. Non-functional testing
Types of white box testing
1. Path testing
2. Loop testing
3. Condition testing
Not suitable for algorithm testing Suitable for algorithm testing

Levels to with Black Box testing are applicable to

  • Integration testing
  • System testing
  • Acceptance testing

How to do Black Box testing?

  • Requirement and specifications will be examined
  • Positive inputs, as well as negative inputs, will be given to the system to verify it
  • Outputs for the tests will be defined earlier
  • Test cases will be executed
  • Actual outputs and expected outputs will be compared
  • Fixed issued will be retested

Major Tools used for Black Box testing

How Much Does Usability Testing Cost?

With the intensive competition, among the websites, applications, and software, it is extremely important to ensure ease of usability so that your users can easily adapt to your digital product. If the users find it hard to operate your software product they might lookout for an easier alternative to your product. To avoid such a situation you need usability testing. But How Much Does Usability Testing Cost? 


Let’s get into more details about usability testing and the cost of performing it and the overhead cost incurred when we do not perform it.
What is Usability Testing and Why does it Matter?
Usability testing is a software testing techniques that ensure that software product you have developed is easy to use. Usability testing is generally carried out by real users.
They are asked to accomplish a key task of the software, and their ease to accomplish it is considered as the usability test results. The purpose of usability testing is to validate and enhance the usability of the product or the flow of the task that the end-user uses to accomplish the task.
What is Usability Testing and Why does it Matter
For example, you own an e-commerce website. The key task of any e-commerce website is to let your customers search for their products and purchase it. The flow of the process might go like:
Going to the home page, searching for the required product or looking at the product catalog, reading the complete description, analyzing the reviews, maybe adding to the cart and finally purchasing it.
During the usability testing, we look for the blockers that prevent the user from performing these tasks smoothly.
In short, the main aim of performing usability testing is to ensure the user can perform the task or use our solution easily.
But why is it important?
 
Importance of Usability Testing
Usability testing is extremely important in the present world, where you have to compete with hundreds of users. If you do not provide easy to use solutions to your users, you already lose your race to them.
If the users will find it hard to use your product, they will turn to other options available in the market; hence you will find it hard to make your presence in this competitive world.
Cost of Usability testing
The cost of usability testing depends on various factors:

  • Platform Technology Costs

The cost of usability testing depends upon the platform required (desktop and/or mobile), features, and the number of users accessing the product concurrently. Many testers combine all these costs into one.
Commercial UX platforms testing varies between $1,000 to $100K for a simple web-based-only study to multiple studies for a prolonged period.

  • Competitive/Comparative Studies

If you decide to opt for comparative studies/testing, you might have to pay higher for usability testing. Your cost will ultimately increase with an increasing number of comparative products.

  • Cross-device knowledge

Testing Multiple Device Types: Mobile & Desktop
If you want to conduct usability testing on your product for multiple devices, you will have to end up paying more.
Mobile UX is different from desktop UX, so testing on multiple devices requires more time and more effort and hence more cost.

  • Larger Sample Sizes

In the case of larger sample size, like in comparative studies increases the number of participants for usability testing and recruiting costs.
Even single testing can require larger sample sizes if you go for multiple user segments. Hence the larger sample size means larger cost.

  • Participant Recruiting

The cost of usability testing also depends on Participants. Usability testing participants may charge you from a very trivial amount to a hefty amount.

  • Moderated Recruitment costs

Involving a well-trained and veteran moderator who would test the product in the corporate setup can incur you paying a high cost for well-trained and veteran personnel. A moderator can charge you between $100 and $300.

  • Unmoderated Recruitment Costs

If you chose not to use a moderated usability testing, you end up using various other sources like advertising, internal customer online panels, lists, and bulk email costs.
These sources too will add up to your usability testing cost. These sources have their own charges like online panels, range from $7 to $10 for general consumer profiles and can rise up to $40 to $100 for specialized profiles. Likewise, you will have to pay for other sources too.

  • International Studies

If you decide to carry out usability testing on an international level, you will have to pay more. Searching for international participants and their fees will both be added expenses.
Also, you will have to consider the cost of translating and re-translating the responses. Again the translation cost will be directly proportional to the study length.
Example For Usability Testing Costs
Though you cannot deploy any formula for usability testing, here are few examples of usability testing cost based on different budget:

Usability testing can cost you under $10K for an independent contractor that would conduct 5-10 moderated sessions. And if you chose the unmoderated study, an agency would conduct only the analysis phase for you.
These prices would keep rising as per your requirements and more extensive study for both moderated and unmoderated studies. The cost of usability testing can rise up to as high as $100K + for more extensive study.
What cost you might have to pay for not doing usability testing 
You might end up paying much higher cost if you chose not to carry out usability testing.
If your key functionality has even a single blockade that might prevent the users to accomplish the end task, you would have to end up reconsider your development phase and hence consuming more time and ending up paying more money. This complete rework process can cost you around $150K.
Now it is up to you to decide what is more profitable – to do or not to do usability testing!
Conclusion
Although it is believed that usability testing is both costly and time-consuming, but if we look at the benefits of usability testing, it is a better idea.
As we have already discussed above the not conducting usability testing means an extra of 4 sprints leading to an added cost of over $150K and a lot of time. This cost and time could have been saved to an extent by conducting usability testing.
Not only this, the defame and loss of trust that will come along with not doing usability testing is immeasurable.
Hence it is a better option to choose usability testing and get things to work smoothly.

What is User Testing? How Does User Testing Work?

User Testing is the only effective way in existence to find out your app or website will work or not. When we put the business into perspective. How does user testing work?
So you have a business idea! But will it work? Any idea if it is not desirable by its prospective users is worthless. The same goes for the software world. Any software or application idea if it is not desirable by its users is of no use.t is hence very important, to get your idea tested before converting it into reality. And here is where you will require
What is User Testing?
It is an idea that gives birth to software or an application. The success of the application depends on how viable your idea is? It is very important to test whether your idea is desirable for its prospective customers or not.
To test this viability, user testing is done. User testing ensures that it is worthwhile to convert your idea into an application or not. For example, you go to a taxi stand and find numerous people waiting for the taxi.

Suddenly an idea strikes your mind to build an app, where people can book the taxi online and the taxi can reach their doorstep when they book it. Now there are many questions in your mind like, “will this application work or not?” And in such scenarios this testing is very important, to tell your idea to its prospective users and see if your product will be desirable and valued by its audiences.
In short user, testing is a type of testing to test whether your idea is desirable or not.
When is user testing done?
This testing is done after you get an idea and before you commence working on the software/ application. The input to your testing is your idea and the output or result is its user’s feedback on your idea.
Who does user testing?
User testing tests the user’s perspective on the application idea. The main reviewers in such kind of testing are the prospective users.
The testers and the idea owners create a survey and the users take that survey. Hence the main participants of this testing are the users and the idea owners/testers.
What is the purpose of user testing?
The purpose of this testing is to evaluate whether the idea you are planning to work upon is desirable by its prospective users or not. It is a good idea to convert your idea into an app-only if people are ready to use it if and only if they think they need such a solution to make their lives easier.

Also Read : How To Secure Website From Hackers?

If users think that your idea is worthless then investing money in building that app would be just a waste of money. Many of the apps fail miserably because the businesses do not consider conducting user testing as an important part. If they would have conducted this testing, they could have avoided many losses. Rather it should be the very first step towards the building of the app.
What factors are considered while performing user testing?
Customer needs, their Perception, and their Demand are the major factors that are considered while performing this testing.
What are the types of User Testing
Usability testing
A kind of user testing where real users embark on a journey to figure out the ease of access of the app/software.  The main goal behind user testing is to measure the human interaction on a particular software.
User scenarios can be verified using this technique and the success percentage can be measured prior to release.
Tree Testing
A tree-like sitemap will be given to users and they will be asked to navigate the software without any distraction.
Remote Usability Testing
There will be a centralized platform that will record user interaction by users located in various parts of the world. Localization testing is the perk of this type of testing.
A/B Testing
It’s one of the most effective ways of user testing. If there is a huge update for the software, for instance, a website is planning to launch a new version of its web app. Through A/B testing the company can release two versions of the web app and seek feedback from users and compare it to get a better perspective. The purpose of A/B testing is to study user behavior and compare it with the feasibility of update or the production of software.
How is user testing conducted?
User testing can be conducted through in-person discussion, coffee shop discussion, Google hangout, Type form, Virtually at Skype, Google forms, Survey Monkey, social media polls, social media discussion, online discussion forums, etc.
What to ask during user testing?
The main concern in this testing is what questions to ask your users while conducting the survey or this testing. Some of the basic questions you can ask are:

  • How you solve that problem currently?
  • Have you ever thought of doing it in a better way?
  • Will you use the proposed solution to accomplish this task?
  • Will you pay money if asked to use this solution?
  • Do you think this solution will ease out your work?

How to do user testing done?
User testing serves as the analysis of the achieve ability of any idea. A questionnaire will be prepared including all the questions that will extensively define the user’s perspective to that particular idea. This questionnaire is then presented to the prospective users and their answers will be collected. Based on their answers a decision will be made whether to give the idea a go-ahead or dissolve the plan.
Does user testing really pay?
There is an on-demand user testing platform called usertesting.com  which helps products acquire real-user feedback.
Basically how it works is that you have to visit the website and register yourself as a user tester you get to test.  As per the information provided on the website you ger to earn $10 for every 20-minute. However, the dubious part is whether you get enough chances to test the website or will there be any geographical disparity to not?
Difference between user testing and usability testing
difference between user and usability testing
Many of us get confused between user testing and usability testing. In fact, too many of us, user testing and usability testing are some of the same things. But in reality, they both are very different. Here are the differences that might clear your doubts on the user and usability testing.

 

User Testing

 

Usability Testing

Do users need your app? Can users use your app?
Done after you have an idea Done after you have you’re your design ready and continues till the end before the app is live
A discussion or a survey is best suited for this testing You have to have a design ready to get usability testing

Conclusion:
An idea is the creator of everything including the software. but the success of your app depends on whether your idea is desirable by its users or not. Many applications like Uber, Amazon, Facebook, etc. have become a huge success because their idea was open-heartedly accepted by its users.

It is always better to be double sure before putting your efforts and your money on an idea. And this testing is a perfect answer to be sure whether your idea would be accepted by its users or not.
Also, it can help you identify your right audiences so that when you design and work upon your app, you can keep in mind its perspective users and build it according to their demand. Testing on the contrary as believed to be the last phase of the software testing life cycle begins at the very early phase just after the birth of the idea.