Agile Testing Quadrants | Concept & How to Use it

Agile Testing Quadrants are a practical tool for sorting testing types into four categories. They help testers decide what to test and how to do it, considering exhaustive testing is impossible.

These quadrants are adaptable, letting you choose the right testing approach for each unique situation. In this article, we’ll break down Agile Testing Quadrants and show you how to use them with real-world examples. It’s your guide to effective testing strategies.

The origins of the ‘Marick Test Matrix’

In 2003, software consultant Brian Marick made a significant contribution to Agile Testing. In response to feedback that he wasn’t doing enough to foster Agile testing as a well-defined discipline, he embarked on a mission to rectify this. His initial step was the creation of Agile Testing Quadrants, initially referred to as the ‘Marick Test Matrix’. This matrix consists of a straightforward grid.

Within this grid, Marick proposed specific positions for various testing types in each of the four quadrants. He delved into the rationale behind these placements, setting the foundation for a more comprehensive understanding of Agile testing.

What are the Agile Testing Quadrants?

The Agile Testing Quadrants, an evolution of Brian Marick’s Agile Testing Matrix, serve as a compass for tailoring your testing approach based on the specific business context. There are four quadrants, each emphasizing a different aspect:

Quadrant 1

Quadrant 1 or Q1 as referred to popularly is the quadrant that focuses on ‘technology-facing tests that support the team’. The meaning of “technology facing test that supports the team” is that while working (according to this quadrant), the team has two approaches:

1. Tests are conducted using technology (technical elements) which essentially means automated tests should be used.

2. The tests should help in enhancing the code and team’s skills. This is particularly done using feedback provided at the end of test executions.

Since frequent feedback is the core of this quadrant and automated tests make it a quick play, such tests should be run frequently within one agile sprint. Hence, the most suitable tests that fall into this category are unit tests and component tests that are often subject to scrutiny before each code push or even pipeline execution. Also, since unit tests and component tests are the first to run, the team must keep Q1 as the starting point of their agile cycle. This will help enhance the subsequent tests and eliminate the problems at the start when they are small and manageable. Although there is no such guideline officially.

Quadrant 2

Quadrant 2 or Q2 focuses on “business facing tests that support the team”. This statement is a combination of two important things a tester must remember while conducting the tests:

• The tests executed here should serve business needs as well. For instance, satisfying client requirements is part of business needs and should be included here.

• Supporting the team means the tests should be constructive and work in a positive direction helping the testers grow and refining the quality of the application as well along the way.

Since this quadrant focuses on business needs, functional testing, story testing, and prototype testing are an integral part here. These testing types fulfill the business requirements including those mentioned by the client and scenarios listed by the team. However, since elements such as simulation and prototype testing are involved, it cannot be completely automated, and therefore, the testers will have to include manual testing for a portion of testing scenarios during test execution.

Quadrant 3

Quadrant 3 or Q3 holds test cases that are essential in targeting the product with a mindset of breaking its functionalities. This quadrant is called “business facing critique product” as it focuses on two things:

• The tests should work around the business requirements i.e. testing and finding errors in business-related functionalities.

• The tests work in a negative direction i.e. they work to ensure the product breaks.

Both of these requirements can be fulfilled by manual testing only because automated testing generally focuses on verifying the functionality rather than working its way to break it. Manual testing techniques such as exploratory testing, UAT, Beta testing, etc. fit perfectly well here.

Quadrant 4

Quadrant 4 or Q4 is a “technology facing critique product” quadrant. This means:

• The tests should involve technological elements such as advanced software.
• The tests should be in the direction of breaking the product not verifying the functionality.

This is similar to quadrant 3 but involves technology and non-functional aspects of the application. Performance testing, security testing, and load testing are part of this quadrant as they aim to find non-functional issues with expert software.

How to Use the Agile Testing Quadrants?

Agile Testing Quadrants offer a structured approach to tailor your testing strategy based on your project’s context. Let’s delve into an example to illustrate their application.

Example 1: 

Imagine you’re working on a web-application e-commerce platform. You realize that in your current context, you need to ensure the user interface (UI) functions flawlessly across various devices and browsers. To do this, you turn to Quadrant 4, which focuses on critiquing the product from a technological perspective. Here, you opt for automated UI testing using a tool like Testsigma. By doing so, you efficiently assess the application’s compatibility, ensuring it performs seamlessly on all target environments. This automation saves time and ensures consistent testing across different scenarios.

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Example 2: 

Now, consider a scenario where you need to validate the critical business logic governing product discounts and promotions. In this case, you shift your focus to Quadrant 2, which centers on business-facing tests. Here, you might employ tests to verify that the business rules are correctly applied. This automation guarantees that your application adheres to the core business requirements, reducing the risk of costly errors in the live system.

In both instances, the Agile Testing Quadrants help you select the most appropriate testing approach for your specific needs, whether it’s ensuring technological robustness or validating critical business functionality, while tools like Testsigma enhance efficiency through test automation.

Benefits of Using Agile Testing Quadrants Model

Focused Testing: Agile Testing Quadrants provide a structured framework to categorize testing types, ensuring that your testing efforts align with your project’s specific needs. This focus leads to more efficient testing.

Improved Communication: These quadrants serve as a common language for project teams, making discussing and prioritizing testing activities easier. This enhanced communication fosters collaboration and understanding.

Tailored Approach: The model promotes a tailored testing approach by guiding you to choose the right quadrant based on your context. You’re not confined to one set of techniques but can select the most appropriate ones for your project.

Enhanced Test Coverage: The quadrants help identify gaps in your testing strategy. This ensures that business and technological aspects are thoroughly addressed, reducing the risk of overlooking critical areas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Agile Testing Quadrants offer a valuable toolset for agile teams to strategize and execute testing effectively. By categorizing testing types and guiding their application based on context, these quadrants enhance focus, communication, and test coverage, ultimately contributing to the success of agile projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 4 C’s of agile?

The 4 C’s of agile are Collaboration, Communication, Confidence, and Courage. These principles emphasize the importance of teamwork, open and effective communication, trust in the team’s abilities, and the willingness to take risks and adapt in agile development processes. These C’s are foundational in creating a successful agile environment.