One of the key dilemmas for testers is knowing precisely when to conclude testing. How can we be certain that we’ve thoroughly examined all requirements, impacted areas, and critical modules? How do we gain confidence that the product is ready for a successful market release? In this blog post, we delve into essential test coverage techniques that can revolutionize your testing approach. These strategies are designed to ensure that every nook and cranny of the product is meticulously examined, giving you the confidence you need before that green light for market debut.
Let’s navigate the landscape of comprehensive testing using the heuristic test strategy model and unlock a new dimension of efficiency and confidence.
“First measure the (current) test coverage to improve the testing strategy. “
How to improve my test coverage ?
Hey Testers! Are You Maximizing Every Phase of SDLC for Top Test Coverage?
In the realm of software testing, it’s more than just requirement analysis and test design. Let’s not overlook the plethora of opportunities sprinkled across the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) to enrich our test coverage. In this blog, we embark on a journey through all SDLC phases, right from scrutinizing requirements to gathering invaluable user reviews for the released product. Unveiling the Heuristic Test Strategy Model by James Bach, a game-changer that elevates your test coverage by presenting a treasure trove of patterns for crafting a stellar test strategy.
Heuristic Test Strategy Model:
Heuristic Test Strategy Model (HTSM) focuses on Project elements, project environment, quality criteria and testing techniques which helps testers think about what to consider during the testing process and in return delivering a high quality product.
Let’s discuss in detail about HTSM and how to apply it in our testing process,
- Project Environment
- Product Elements
- Quality Criteria
- Test Techniques
Project environment:
Project environment includes factors which help or block testers from testing the product.
Mission:
Analyse your project role, make sure it meets Customer Expectations.
Information:
Get to Know the Product Before Testing. Find the Right Source for Feature Insights. Dive into User Stories, Requirements, and Techno Docs. Check for Fresh Features or Previous Versions. Understand Common Customer Issues. Stay Updated with the Latest Product Info. Explore Similar Products for a Comprehensive View.
Developer Relations:
Understanding Your Rapport with Developers in Product Development.Recognizing Potential Overconfidence in the Development Team. Detecting Resistance in Testing Certain Product Areas. Assessing Smooth Communication with Developers. Gauging Developers’ Perception of Your Testing Strategy.
Test Team:
Consider All Players in Testing and Their Roles. Does the Tester Have Enough Product Insights? Are Non-Testers Ready to Aid in Testing? Identify Specialized Testing Skills Within the Team. Involve On-Site Team Members in Testing – Does Timing Impact Testing Efficiency?
Tools:
Ensure You Have the Right Hardware, Software, and Documents Ready.Do You Have the Essential Tools for Testing?Automate for Efficiency- Implement Tools to Monitor Product Behavior and Generate Test Data. Use Metrics and Checklists to Track Testing Progress Effectively.
Schedule:
Map Out the Testing Process and Its Duration.Confirm Code Finalization and Its Stable State.Provide Testing Team Accessible Documentation.Set the Test Execution Timeline and Account for Any Planned Regression Tests.
Test Items:
Identify Essential Product Features and Impact Areas. Is Your Testing Environment Primed? Validate the Availability of Necessary Features.Track Changes and Evolving Features. Keep Abreast of New Additions to the Product. Assess Functionality and Reliability for Effective Testing. Strategize Aspects for Designing Tests in Subsequent Releases.
Deliverables:
Decide on Post-Testing Insights like Plan Reports, Observations, and Final Outcomes. Note Essential Documentation and Identify What’s Needed upon Product Approval. Adhere to Established Standard Documentation Guidelines.
Product Elements:
The Components of a Product encompass distinct categories crucial for shaping the test strategy. Ensure that the product addresses the customers’ problems and offers viable solutions.
Structure:
Examine All Aspects of the Product, Such as Hardware, Software, and Dependent Services. Confirm Availability of Sample Data. Verify the Inclusion of User Manuals, License Agreements, or Relevant Documentation
Function:
Grasp the Full Spectrum of the Product’s Abilities and Boundaries(like Multi-User Interaction or Concurrent Resource Usage). Are Calculations a Part of This Feature(like Timeout Settings,Periodic Events, or Time Zone Aspects)? Understand User Permissions for Product Access. Evaluate Data Security and Possible Vulnerabilities. Confirm Effective Error Handling and Sufficient Debugging Mechanisms.
Data:
Incorporates All Necessary Requirements, Outputs, and Values Relevant to the Product. Which Inputs and Outputs are Associated with this Feature? Are Default Values or Presets in Place for Seamless Functionality? Consider Data Persistence Areas. Recognize Interlinked and Interacting Product Components. Is there a Defined Sequence or Combination for Data Handling? Understand the Impact of Invalid or Corrupted Data. Determine the Data’s Life cycle.
Interfaces:
Methods for transferring information within the product. Interfaces that facilitate data exchange with users.Review system interfaces for proper functionality(like APIs or SDKs integrated).
Platform:
Pathways for Data Transfer within the Product. Interfaces Streamlining Data Exchange with Users. Validate System Interfaces for Optimal Performance. Is the Product Integrated with APIs or SDKs? Assess Data Import/Export Capabilities with Other Products.
Operations:
Identify Potential Use Cases for the Product. Delve into User Diversity and Types of Users. Anticipate the Product’s Usual Operating Environment. Analyze Common Input Patterns the Product Will Encounter. Assess the Product’s Performance in Challenging Use Cases. Evaluate the Product’s Behavior in Intensive Usage Scenarios.
Time:
Examine the Impact of Time on the Product. Check for Input-Output Delays. Test the Product’s Responsiveness with Varying Input Speeds and Combinations. Observe Product Performance During Rate Fluctuations (e.g., hangs, bottlenecks, interruptions). Evaluate the Product’s Concurrency Management.
Quality criteria:
Quality criteria aid in swiftly identifying potential risk areas and pinpointing issues, expediting the delivery of a high-quality product.
Capability:
Uncover the Maximum Potential of the Product. Is the Product Fulfilling Its Intended Objectives? Does the Product Yield Satisfactory Output?
Reliability:
Verify Consistent Performance of the Product Across All Scenarios. Is the Product Functioning Without Performance Deterioration? Confirm Effective Error Handling to Tackle Bad Data. Ensure Robust Protection Against Data Loss or Corruption. Evaluate if Product Failure Poses Risks to Life or Property
Usability:
Prioritize User-Friendly Design for the Product/Feature. Can Users Effortlessly Learn How to Utilize the Product? Is Product Usage Effortless? Ensure Compliance with Accessibility Standards.
Charisma:
Craft an Attractive Product/Feature that Captivates Target Customers. Does the Product Exhibit an Eye-catching Design to Stand Out Among Competitors? Evaluate User Engagement and Distractions During Usage. Does the Product Reflect the Desired Quality Impression?
Security:
Ensure Robust Security Measures Against Threats for the Product. Have We Implemented Strong Authorization and Authentication Protocols? Identify and Address Any Privacy or Security Vulnerabilities in the Product.
Scalability:
Ensure Product Performance Across Scale Variations. How does the Product’s Deployment Adapt to Different Scales, be it Increase or Decrease?
Compatibility:
Assess Product Compatibility Across Applications, Operating Systems, and Hardware. Is the Product Backward Compatible? Monitor Resource Usage: Does the Product Consume Excessive Memory or Resources?
Performance:
Rate the Product’s Speed and Responsiveness.
Installability:
Assess Product Setup Convenience for Primary Use. Does the Product Detect Missing or Inadequate Components? Ensure Clean Uninstallation Process. Evaluate Ease of Upgrades and Patching. Is There Dedicated Personnel for Product Installation?
Development:
Optimize the Approaches for Product Development, Testing, Modification, and Maintenance. Assess Cost-Effectiveness in Supporting End Users. Evaluate Testing Efficiency. Measure Cost-Effectiveness in Product Creation, Debugging, Enhancement, Usage, or Adaptation
Testing Techniques:
There exists a diverse range of testing techniques, categorized into nine families. All prevalent testing techniques are rooted in one or more of these families
Therefore, by incorporating the distinctive elements outlined in the Heuristic Test Strategy Model during the test design phase, we ensure comprehensive test coverage. This, in return, provides insights into the product and any potential bugs. Bug reporting is a skill for testers, and equally vital is presenting the information in an easily comprehensible manner for the target audience. Not every testing strategy is flawless; it’s essential to practice and determine the most effective strategy for your specific product.
Happy Testing!
References:
- https://www.satisfice.com/download/heuristic-test-strategy-model
- https://abrialstha.medium.com/heuristic-test-strategy-model-6684c2e1e1e
- https://www.zentao.pm/blog/heuristic-test-strategy-1316.html
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Quality Engineer