
<p>As the internet becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, it&#8217;s important that websites are accessible to all users, regardless of their disabilities. However, ensuring accessibility can be a challenging and time-consuming task for web developers and testers. That&#8217;s where automated accessibility testing comes in. By testing for accessibility, teams can address issues before they become more challenging and costly to fix. In this article, we&#8217;ll discuss what automated accessibility testing is, including what it is, its pros and cons, and more.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Automated_Accessibility_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is Automated Accessibility Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Can_Accessibility_Testing_be_Automated_with_Tools"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Can Accessibility Testing be Automated with Tools?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_Automated_Accessibility_Testing_is_Important"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Why Automated Accessibility Testing is Important?</a></li><li><a href="#Pros_and_Cons_of_Automated_Accessibility_Tests"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Pros and Cons of Automated Accessibility Tests</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Achieve_Automated_Accessibility_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> How to Achieve Automated Accessibility Testing?</a><ul><li><a href="#Make_Accessibility_a_Focus_Earlier_During_Design"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.1</span> Make Accessibility a Focus Earlier — During Design</a></li><li><a href="#Leverage_Accessibility_Testing_Tools"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.2</span> Leverage Accessibility Testing Tools</a></li><li><a href="#Create_Automated_Regression_Tests_For_Accessibility"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.3</span> Create Automated Regression Tests For Accessibility</a></li><li><a href="#Use_the_Right_Test_Automation_Platform"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.4</span> Use the Right Test Automation Platform</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#How_to_Choose_an_Automated_Accessibility_Testing_Tool"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> How to Choose an Automated Accessibility Testing Tool?</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_are_some_automated_tools_that_you_can_use_for_accessibility_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">8.1</span> What are some automated tools that you can use for accessibility testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Does_Selenium_support_accessibility_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">8.2</span> Does Selenium support accessibility testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_are_the_examples_of_accessibility_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">8.3</span> What are the examples of accessibility testing?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-automated-accessibility-testing"><span id="What_is_Automated_Accessibility_Testing"><strong>What is Automated Accessibility Testing?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Automated accessibility testing is a process of using software to test for accessibility issues in websites and web applications. This process ensures your app’s content and services are usable by people with disabilities of various types (vision, hearing, etc.). This <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/the-different-software-testing-types-explained/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">type of testing</a> can be used to find and fix issues related to web accessibility, such as missing alt text, improper use of color contrast, and more. Check here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/accessibility-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Accessibility Testing</a></p>



<p>For instance, overcoming the challenges that a person with vision impairment would encounter when attempting to use any app because the person would be unable to view visuals is what accessibility concerns are about. Keep in mind that accessibility testing verifies specific application features to ensure that it is usable by everyone.</p>



<p>While automated accessibility testing is a great tool for finding and fixing accessibility issues, it is important to note that it cannot catch everything. For example, automated testing cannot test for issues related to how well a person can use a website or web application. For this reason, it is also important to manually test websites and web applications to ensure they are accessible to everyone.</p>



<h2 id="h-can-accessibility-testing-be-automated-with-tools"><span id="Can_Accessibility_Testing_be_Automated_with_Tools"><strong>Can Accessibility Testing be Automated with Tools?</strong></span></h2>



<p>There is no simple answer to the question of whether web accessibility testing can be automated. While there are some automated tools available, they are not always reliable, and they often require a human touch to be effective.</p>



<p>That said, there are some ways to automate web accessibility testing to some extent. For example, you can use a tool to scan your site for potential accessibility issues and then have a human test those issues to confirm whether they are actually problems. You can also use a tool to generate a report of accessibility issues, which can then be reviewed manually.</p>



<p>Ultimately, the decision of whether to automate web accessibility testing will come down to a cost-benefit analysis. Automated tools can save time and money, but they are not always 100% accurate. So the combination of both automated and <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/manual-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">manual testing</a> is ultimately the most effective method for accessibility testing.</p>



<p><strong>Get here &#8211; the list of <a href="https://testsigma.com/tools/accessibility-testing-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Web Accessibility Testing Tools</a></strong></p>



<h2 id="h-why-automated-accessibility-testing-is-important"><span id="Why_Automated_Accessibility_Testing_is_Important"><strong>Why Automated Accessibility Testing is Important?</strong></span></h2>



<p>More people are now using digital tools due to the expanding significance of digital technology and applications. However, 70% of websites worldwide are not user-friendly for those with disabilities. Global governments are currently working to make web content accessible to people with impairments as part of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0.</p>



<p>Government regulations also mandate that software products be usable by people with impairments. So, as an organization, you should consider these users’ needs as well as those of older adults, children, left-handed users, anti-English speakers, and many others. </p>



<p>In addition, inaccessible websites cause significant reputational damage to the brand, which is why it&#8217;s crucial to routinely check your site for accessibility blockers using automated accessibility testing tools.</p>



<p>Related Resources &gt;&gt;<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/how-big-is-the-global-accessibility-testing-market-and-how-fast-is-it-growing/#Accessibility_Testing_Service_Market_Competitors" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> How Big is the Global Accessibility Testing Market and How Fast is it Growing?</a></p>



<h2 id="pros-and-cons-of-automated-accessibility-tests"><span id="Pros_and_Cons_of_Automated_Accessibility_Tests"><strong>Pros and Cons of Automated Accessibility Tests</strong></span></h2>



<p>The following are some of the pros and cons of automating your accessibility tests,</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pros</strong></td><td><strong>Cons</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Easy and quick to repeat tests at different stages of the development cycle</td><td>Automation tools will not catch all the accessibility errors in your application</td></tr><tr><td>Very few steps to run and get quick results</td><td>Might report false positives&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>A little accessibility knowledge is required to perform accessibility testing and understand the results</td><td>Various tools might be required for different product types</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 id="h-how-to-achieve-automated-accessibility-testing"><span id="How_to_Achieve_Automated_Accessibility_Testing"><strong>How to Achieve Automated Accessibility Testing?</strong></span></h2>



<p>We all know that accessibility is essential. We also know that testing for accessibility can be time-consuming and tedious. But what if there was a way to automate accessibility testing?</p>



<p>There are many accessibility testing tools available that can help speed up the testing process. By using one of these tools, you can quickly check for common accessibility issues on your website or app. This can save you a lot of time and help ensure that your site or app is accessible to everyone.</p>



<p>There are a few things to keep in mind when automating accessibility testing.</p>



<h3 id="h-make-accessibility-a-focus-earlier-during-design"><span id="Make_Accessibility_a_Focus_Earlier_During_Design">Make Accessibility a Focus Earlier — During Design</span></h3>



<p>As designers are often tasked with creating products that are both unique and functional. But what about products that are accessible to everyone?</p>



<p>Designing with accessibility in mind is crucial to ensure that your products/platform can be used by everyone, regardless of ability. And while it’s important to consider accessibility at all stages of the agile process, it’s imperative to make it a focus earlier on.</p>



<p>Here are a few tips on how to make accessibility a focus earlier in the design process:</p>



<ul><li>Educate yourself on accessibility standards and guidelines.</li><li>Incorporate accessibility into your design process from the beginning.</li><li>Make sure your designs are tested for accessibility before launch.</li><li>Continuously monitor your designs for accessibility issues.</li></ul>



<p>By following these tips, you can incorporate accessibility from the beginning.</p>



<h3 id="h-leverage-accessibility-testing-tools"><span id="Leverage_Accessibility_Testing_Tools">Leverage <a href="https://testsigma.com/tools/accessibility-testing-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Accessibility Testing Tools</a></span></h3>



<p>How do you choose the right tools when you&#8217;re just getting started in the accessibility world?</p>



<p>It is crucial to group potential accessibility testing tools into the following three categories before you start:</p>



<ul><li><strong><em>Tools that require human interaction</em></strong> &#8211; Accessibility testing still needs humanitarian aid even if more automated methods are available. This ensures that the experience we evaluate closely resembles what our users will have. Some of these will include tools like <a href="https://www.apple.com/voiceover/info/guide/_1121.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">VoiceOver</a>, <a href="https://www.sightandsound.co.uk/product/jaws-home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">JAWS</a><strong>, </strong>etc.</li><li><strong><em>Tools for semi-automated accessibility testing that are browser add-ons</em></strong> &#8211; You may quickly identify any accessibility problems with your websites using browser extensions. The majority of browser extensions come with limited functionality that can be unlocked by buying the paid version. A few of these tools include <a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/axe-devtools-web-accessib/lhdoppojpmngadmnindnejefpokejbdd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Axe DevTools</a>, <a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/wave-evaluation-tool/jbbplnpkjmmeebjpijfedlgcdilocofh" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">WAVE</a>, etc.</li><li><strong><em>Fully Automated accessibility testing tools</em></strong> &#8211; Utilizing automation is essential to shifting accessibility testing as early as possible so that you can concentrate on the places where it is most necessary. One such tool that’s fully automated is <a href="https://www.npmjs.com/package/@axe-core/cli" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Axe CLI</a>.</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-create-automated-regression-tests-for-accessibility"><span id="Create_Automated_Regression_Tests_For_Accessibility">Create Automated Regression Tests For Accessibility</span></h3>



<p>As a web developer/owner, it&#8217;s important to ensure that the site is accessible to everyone. One way to do this is to create automated <a href="https://testsigma.com/regression-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regression tests</a> that check for accessibility issues.</p>



<p>There are a few different ways to do this, but one tool you can use is the axe-core library. This library provides a set of rules that can be used to automatically test for accessibility issues.</p>



<p>To use the axe-core library, you first need to install it. You can do this by using the following command:</p>



<pre class="wp-block-preformatted">npm install axe-core</pre>



<p>After installing axe-core, include the JavaScript file in each of your iframes in your fixtures or test systems to test your site for accessibility issues.</p>



<pre class="wp-block-preformatted">axe
.run()
.then(results =&gt; {
if (results.violations.length) {
throw new Error('Accessibility issues found');
}
})
.catch(err =&gt; {
console.error('Something bad happened:', err.message);
});</pre>



<p>It is possible to create automated accessibility regression testing using the method mentioned above. Additionally, you can completely get rid of most manual testing during the development phase.</p>



<h3 id="h-use-the-right-test-automation-platform"><span id="Use_the_Right_Test_Automation_Platform">Use the Right Test Automation Platform</span></h3>



<p>Traditionally, accessibility testing has been done manually. However, with the rise of test automation, it is now possible to do automated accessibility testing. This can save a lot of time and effort.</p>



<p>There are a number of different tools and platforms available for automated accessibility testing. However, not all of them are equal and have apt features.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-to-choose-an-automated-accessibility-testing-tool"><span id="How_to_Choose_an_Automated_Accessibility_Testing_Tool"><strong>How to Choose an Automated Accessibility Testing Tool</strong>?</span></h2>



<p>The best place to start when trying to increase the accessibility of your website is with automated accessibility testing using an automation tool. </p>



<p>Although there are numerous free tools and checkers that can assist you with this work, they typically just identify the most fundamental accessibility issues without offering any justifications or suggestions for addressing them. </p>



<p>Here’re some prominent features you should look for in automation tools while choosing one for your project:</p>



<ul><li>Select accessibility concerns on websites by comparing the code and content to <a href="https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WCAG</a> criteria.</li><li>Use a single platform to test both web and mobile applications. Read here- <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/mobile-accessibility-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mobile Accessibility Testing</a></li><li>Integrates quickly and seamlessly with all popular content management systems to sync accessibility tool results.</li><li>Keep track of your WCAG conformance progress and a list of fixed issues.</li><li>Cut down on manual testing time with increased automation abilities.</li><li>Align the development and current test cycles with your accessibility tests.</li></ul>



<h2 id="conclusion"><span id="Conclusion"><strong>Conclusion</strong></span></h2>



<p>Automated accessibility testing has become an essential aspect of web development. With the growing demand for inclusive and accessible websites, it&#8217;s crucial to ensure that everyone can access and interact with your site regardless of their abilities.</p>



<p>With the right automation tools and techniques, it&#8217;s possible to test for accessibility issues automatically, saving time, effort, and cost while ensuring compliance with accessibility guidelines.</p>



<h2 id="h-frequently-asked-questions"><span id="Frequently_Asked_Questions"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></span></h2>



<h3 id="h-what-are-some-automated-tools-that-you-can-use-for-accessibility-testing"><span id="What_are_some_automated_tools_that_you_can_use_for_accessibility_testing">What are some automated tools that you can use for accessibility testing?</span></h3>



<p>The best <a href="https://testsigma.com/tools/accessibility-testing-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accessibility testing tools</a> are</p>



<ul><li>Selenium WebDriver</li><li>WAVE</li><li>Axe</li><li>Tenon</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-does-selenium-support-accessibility-testing"><span id="Does_Selenium_support_accessibility_testing">Does Selenium support accessibility testing?</span></h3>



<p>Yes, Selenium supports accessibility testing. You can use Selenium to <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/compliance-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test for compliance</a> with WCAG and other accessibility standards. Selenium can also be used to automate accessibility testing by opening up web pages and running checks on the code to see if it meets the required criteria.</p>



<h3 id="what-are-the-examples-of-accessibility-testing"><span id="What_are_the_examples_of_accessibility_testing"><strong>What are the examples of accessibility testing?</strong></span></h3>



<p>Accessibility testing examples include checking keyboard accessibility, style disablement, UI structural elements, checking captions, content scaling, checking image alt text, and text sizing.</p>



<customlinks>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>What is ADA Testing</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/ada-testing/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Global Accessibility Testing Market</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/how-big-is-the-global-accessibility-testing-market-and-how-fast-is-it-growing/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Visual Testing</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/guides/visual-testing/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
</customlinks>


How to Automate Accessibility Testing: Steps & Tools You Should Know

Automated Accessibility Testing: How-to Guide & Top Tools


<p>Acceptance Criteria and Acceptance testing are crucial for a comprehensive software development process. Acceptance criteria are the conditions a software product must meet to make it acceptable to end customer. On the other hand, acceptance testing checks whether a software product meets the acceptance criteria.</p>



<p>Both these processes ensure robust and quality software. In this blog, we’d explore Acceptance Criteria vs Acceptance Testing in detail, along with their types, structures, advantages, and more.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_are_Acceptance_Criteria"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What are Acceptance Criteria?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_an_Acceptance_Test"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> What is an Acceptance Test?</a></li><li><a href="#Acceptance_Criteria_vs_Acceptance_Testing_Know_the_Differences"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Acceptance Criteria vs Acceptance Testing: Know the Differences</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_the_difference_between_acceptance_criteria_and_test_scripts"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.1</span> What is the difference between acceptance criteria and test scripts?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="dcro7"><span id="What_are_Acceptance_Criteria"><strong>What are Acceptance Criteria?</strong></span></h2>



<p>The acceptance criteria are a set of several prerequisites and conditions that must be satisfied for the product to be considered acceptable by clients and end users. They verify the software&#8217;s development and ensure the product operates as intended, without any flaws or bugs.</p>



<p>The acceptance criteria should always be written before development begins. Writing these criteria should clarify &#8220;what&#8221; to expect rather than &#8220;how&#8221; to achieve or implement a specific functionality because the purpose of doing so is to state the aim, not the solution. Here are some things to keep in mind:</p>



<ul><li>The acceptance criteria should be clear and concise.</li><li>The criteria should be achievable and testable.</li><li>The criteria should align with the project&#8217;s objectives.</li></ul>



<h2 id="b4ms6"><span id="What_is_an_Acceptance_Test"><strong>What is an Acceptance Test?</strong></span></h2>



<p>An Acceptance test determines whether the software meets the acceptance criteria for a given requirement. It ensures that a system is working as intended before it is deployed. Acceptance tests are typically carried out by the customer or end-user after <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/unit-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unit testing</a>, <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/integration-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">integration testing</a>, and <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/system-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">system testing</a>.</p>



<p>Acceptance test, in its simplest form, can be thought of as a validation technique that determines every part of the software&#8217;s functional, non-functional and technical requirements and verifies that it accurately satisfies the defined acceptance criteria.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table aligncenter"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Read all about <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/acceptance-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Acceptance Testing</a></strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 id="6mujj"><span id="Acceptance_Criteria_vs_Acceptance_Testing_Know_the_Differences"><strong>Acceptance Criteria vs Acceptance Testing: Know the Differences</strong></span></h2>



<p>The primary difference between acceptance criteria and acceptance testing is that the former documents the expected behavior of a feature, whereas the latter defines the expected behavior of entire application.</p>



<p>Here are some basic differences:</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table">
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<table style="border: 1px solid black;border-collapse: collapse">
<tbody>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse"><strong>Acceptance Criteria </strong></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse"><strong>Acceptance Testing </strong></td>
</tr>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Acceptance Criteria refer to the conditions software must meet to be accepted by the customer.</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Acceptance Testing determines whether the software meets the acceptance criteria.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">These are written prior to development stage.</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">These are implemented during product development.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">They define <em>what needs to be done</em>.</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">It represents <em>how it should be done</em>.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Either the client or the development team writes the criteria.</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">The user or customer carries out the testing.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">There is minimum or sometimes no requirement for documentation.</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">It demands detailed documentation.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>



<h2 id="ce7fp"><span id="Conclusion"><strong>Conclusion</strong></span></h2>



<p>Now that we have understood the differences, types, and structures of acceptance criteria and testing, it is evident that they are crucial for a comprehensive software development process. It’s just not possible to ignore one over the other. By following the best practices, you can deliver a quality product that not only meets your users&#8217; expectations but also remains bug-free.</p>



<h2 id="frequently-asked-questions"><span id="Frequently_Asked_Questions"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></span></h2>



<h3 id="what-is-the-difference-between-acceptance-criteria-and-test-scripts"><span id="What_is_the_difference_between_acceptance_criteria_and_test_scripts"><strong>What is the difference between acceptance criteria and test scripts?</strong></span></h3>



<p>Acceptance Criteria establish the criteria that a product or feature must fulfill to be deemed complete and satisfactory from a user&#8217;s perspective. They define a product&#8217;s expected behaviors, functionalities, and outcomes but do not delve into the specific steps required to attain these outcomes. On the contrary, Test Scripts offers detailed instructions for testers to follow in a step-by-step manner to determine if the product meets the defined acceptance criteria. These scripts encompass specific actions or sequences to ensure the product functions correctly and satisfies the acceptance criteria. To summarize, acceptance criteria articulate the objectives, whereas test scripts elucidate the process of verifying the fulfillment of those objectives.</p>


Acceptance Criteria Vs Acceptance Tests – Know the Difference With Examples cover

Acceptance Criteria Vs Acceptance Tests – 5 Key Differences


<p>Mobile phones have taken over the world in a way few technologies and inventions have been able to in the past. The far-reaching repercussions of such a widely accepted adoption can be felt in all fields of life, from education to tourism. As mobile phone usage and internet penetration continue to grow at unprecedented rates, competition amongst developers is also at all-time heights. Hence, quality control and assurance within the mobile application development sector has become vital. </p>



<p>A survey done three years ago showed that<a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://smallbiztrends.com/2017/05/app-glitches-lead-to-abandonment.html" target="_blank"> over 88% of users</a> have at some point of time abandoned an app because of too many bugs or glitches. So, what can app developers and QA managers do to prevent such a migration? This article will take an in-depth look at the various tools and strategies that help with mobile application testing.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Why_do_you_need_to_engage_in_testing_a_mobile_application"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> Why do you need to engage in testing a mobile application?</a></li><li><a href="#What_business_processes_help_with_testing_mobile_apps"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> What business processes help with testing mobile apps?</a><ul><li><a href="#1_Test_Case_Reviews"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.1</span> 1. Test Case Reviews:</a></li><li><a href="#2_User_Interface_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.2</span> 2. User Interface Testing: </a></li><li><a href="#3_OS_and_Version_Support"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.3</span> 3. OS and Version Support: </a></li><li><a href="#4_Documented_Beta_Testing_Strategy"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.4</span> 4. Documented Beta Testing Strategy: </a></li><li><a href="#5_Flexible_Schedule"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.5</span> 5. Flexible Schedule: </a></li><li><a href="#6_Staggered_Rollout"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.6</span> 6. Staggered Rollout: </a></li><li><a href="#7_Battery-Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.7</span> 7. Battery-Testing:</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Mobile_Application_Testing_StrategynbspTypes"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Mobile Application Testing Strategy&nbsp;Types:</a></li><li><a href="#Why_Opt_for_Automated_Mobile_Application_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Why Opt for Automated Mobile Application Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Formulating_the_right_Automated_Mobile_Application_Testing_Strategynbsp"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Formulating the right Automated Mobile Application Testing Strategy&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#How_Testsigma_Can_Help"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> How Testsigma Can Help</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="why-do-you-need-to-engage-in-testing-a-mobile-application"><span id="Why_do_you_need_to_engage_in_testing_a_mobile_application"><strong>Why do you need to engage in testing a mobile application?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Studies by Gartner showed that as early as 2013, companies were bringing in<a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://techcrunch.com/2013/09/19/gartner-102b-app-store-downloads-globally-in-2013-26b-in-sales-17-from-in-app-purchases/?guccounter=1" target="_blank"> $26 billion through app revenues</a>. They also predicted a 2.6 times growth in downloads and 2.9-fold increase in revenues in the years to come. Keeping with these figures, global in-app purchases and downloads have sky-rocketed in recent years, thanks to companies taking their business online and onto smartphones. </p>



<p>However, testing has also grown in prominence and importance because without rigorous testing, companies cannot put useful apps onto the market. Even a small bug will make consumers avoid, uninstall and leave bad reviews for your application. All of these will affect your application&#8217;s overall impact and adversely affect your brand&#8217;s credibility.</p>



<p>Studies show that in 2017, the worldwide failure rate of iOS apps was as high as 54%, with Android apps crashing 10% of the time. However, this trend needs to improve if businesses wish to engage with their customers and better their brand&#8217;s visibility and trustworthiness. </p>



<p>Also, since bugs, glitches and bad user interfaces are preventable digital diseases, companies must do everything in their power to ensure maximum usability and robustness. By using simple, efficient and <a aria-label="simple, efficient and automated mobile application testing tools like Testsigma (opens in a new tab)" href="https://testsigma.com/automated-mobile-app-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated mobile application</a> testing tools like Testsigma, companies can avoid embarrassing themselves and prevent app glitches significantly.</p>



<h2 id="what-business-processes-help-with-testing-mobile-apps"><span id="What_business_processes_help_with_testing_mobile_apps"><strong>What business processes help with testing mobile apps?</strong></span></h2>



<h3 id="1-test-case-reviews"><span id="1_Test_Case_Reviews"><strong>1. Test Case Reviews</strong>:</span></h3>



<p> Go through cross-team Quality control and assurance test case reviews. Not only will this help speed track the testing process, it will also help make the objectives clearer. Before adopting any new feature, QA specialists must review various test cases associated with the feature. Companies must complete this review process before even finishing the new feature’s wireframe design.</p>



<h3 id="2-user-interface-testing"><span id="2_User_Interface_Testing"><strong>2. User Interface Testing</strong>: </span></h3>



<p>Make sure your Product Design, UX and QA teams help in developing your user interface. This helps companies get varied opinions on the subject, helping in the creation of an engaging user-interface. User Interface development and testing is a vital cross-departmental activity that helps organisations create useful and engaging apps. Involving QA specialists in this process can help them ensure the perfect alignment between the design and the code which implements it.</p>



<h3 id="3-os-and-version-support"><span id="3_OS_and_Version_Support"><strong>3. OS and Version Support</strong>: </span></h3>



<p>Before starting with any design process, ensure the team is aware of what OS and versions your app must support. Run a market analysis to understand what the current OS trends are, and based on user data, decide which versions to support, and which to avoid. Trying to support every version available will only lead to diminishing returns that hurt your company&#8217;s profit margins. Once you know which OSs to support, determine the number of form factors to consider, and start development with these in hand.</p>



<h3 id="4-documented-beta-testing-strategy"><span id="4_Documented_Beta_Testing_Strategy"><strong>4. Documented Beta Testing Strategy</strong>: </span></h3>



<p>This Mobile Application Testing Strategy&nbsp;makes sure you adopt a well-documented User Acceptance or Beta-testing strategy. This will help prevent ambiguity and confusion regarding what tests to run, and how to use the internal resources available to the team. Additionally, it also enables internal users to try out specific test cases defined by the QA team.</p>



<h3 id="5-flexible-schedule"><span id="5_Flexible_Schedule"><strong>5. Flexible Schedule</strong>: </span></h3>



<p>Sometimes analysts have a hard time figuring out all the bugs because they have been staring at the same piece of code for hours. Hence, it is always best to employ a switch-and-bait system of testing, allowing for a new pair of eyes to systematically test the features.</p>



<h3 id="6-staggered-rollout"><span id="6_Staggered_Rollout"><strong>6. Staggered Rollout</strong>: </span></h3>



<p>Consider adopting a staggered rollout plan to allow for adequate testing and monitoring. Not only will this make it easier to find and solve bugs, but it will also help boost the overall user experience.</p>



<h3 id="7-battery-testing"><span id="7_Battery-Testing"><strong>7. Battery-Testing</strong>:</span></h3>



<p>Invest in a well-defined battery testing strategy to prevent users from abandoning your app due to its power consumption issues. Battery life consumption has come up time and time again as the most critical factor users consider while deciding on whether to keep an app or not.</p>


<p>Learn More: Why and When should a business invest in <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-mobile-app-testing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mobile automation testing</a></p>


<h2 id="mobile-application-testing-strategy-types"><span id="Mobile_Application_Testing_StrategynbspTypes"><strong><strong>Mobile Application Testing Strategy&nbsp;</strong>Types</strong>:</span></h2>



<p><strong>&#8220;Owners will interact with their smartphones over sixty-five times a day by 2023&#8221;</strong>, predicts Deloitte making it abundantly clear how important mobile applications have become. Hence, mobile app developers face tremendous pressure to ensure their products fulfil consumer expectations. Here are a few routine testing methodologies used by QA specialists to ensure optimum performance.</p>



<p><strong>1. Battery life testing</strong> to ensure optimum power consumption.</p>



<p><strong>2. Regression testing</strong> on all new features to prevent harmful and unintended ripple effects.</p>



<p><strong>3. Automated testing</strong> which enables the automatic loading and testing of use cases for new features.</p>



<p><strong>4. External factors testing</strong> to ensure your app responds correctly whenever there is a network issue or connectivity problem. These tests help developers check how the application will respond to adverse conditions such as network issues and connectivity problems.</p>



<p><strong>5. Performance testing</strong> to ascertain the efficiency of the application</p>



<p><strong>6. Security testing</strong> to promote company goodwill and customer trust.</p>



<p><strong>7. Load testing</strong> to prevent app crashes during high-traffic situations</p>



<p><strong>8. Stress testing</strong> to identify the breaking point of the application and define its upper limits with regards to load and data</p>



<h2 id="why-opt-for-automated-mobile-application-testing"><span id="Why_Opt_for_Automated_Mobile_Application_Testing"><strong>Why Opt for Automated Mobile Application Testing</strong></span></h2>



<p><b>1. </b>Traditional manual QA cycles might take as long as eight weeks, leading to slower turnaround times.</p>



<p><b>2. </b>Higher demand leads to companies having to release applications within shorter periods.</p>



<p><b>3. </b>More cost-effective approach when compared to manual testing as it removes other additional expenses.</p>



<p><b>4. </b>Helps companies improve their brand image, better consumer satisfaction and expectation.</p>



<p><b>5. </b>Provides developers with a competitive advantage by helping them create better apps more efficiently.</p>



<p><b>6. </b>Unlike automated testing which goes through several test cases, manual testing no longer ensures 100% efficiency</p>



<p><b>7. </b>Automation allows the integration of highly complex test cases leading to effective testing</p>



<p><b>8. </b>Helps improve overall employee morale and productivity by reducing repetitive testing tasks</p>



<p><b>9. </b>Enables developers to discover bugs early in the cycle leading to faster error correction and improvement<gwmw style="display:none;"></p>



<p>Also Check: The steps you should not miss while doing <a href="https://testsigma.com/mobile-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mobile testing</a></p>



<h2 id="formulating-the-right-automated-mobile-application-testing-strategy"><span id="Formulating_the_right_Automated_Mobile_Application_Testing_Strategynbsp"><strong>Formulating the right Automated Mobile Application Testing Strategy&nbsp;</strong></span></h2>



<p><stong>1. Choose the best automation tool by comparing key parameters, checking their specifications and analysing which one will best suit your needs. Here&#8217;s a quick look at the various benefits that <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://testsigma.com/compare-test-automation-tools" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma&#8217;s tool</a> provides compared to others to give users some perspective on the matter.</stong></p>



<p><strong>2. </strong>Create test cases and provide concise details regarding the data needed and the expected test results. Choose what type of tests you want, and set the key parameters, including coverage area, traffic, and device configurations.</p>



<p><strong>3. </strong>Next, conduct the actual tests on the necessary devices and simulators to see how your app responds.</p>



<p>Check out: <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/8-challenges-of-mobile-app-testing-and-how-to-solve-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Challenges of Mobile Application Testing</a> with solutions</p>



<h2 id="how-testsigma-can-help"><span id="How_Testsigma_Can_Help"><strong>How Testsigma Can Help</strong></span></h2>



<p>As you can see, Test Automation helps in reducing overall costs and improving the efficiency of your testing life cycle. Partnering with the right service provider, such as TestSigma can help companies get to market faster. These service providers also enable companies to test more efficiently and create bug-free apps that consumers love. Testsigma offers <a href="https://testsigma.com/mobile-testing-tools" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mobile app testing tools</a> that enable companies to test their products without coding experience.&nbsp;</p>



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<p>Our testing solution can help you jump-start your testing cycle and accelerate your development with ease. The experts at TestSigma would love to hear more about your current application or project. So, what are you waiting for? Deliver the best, most efficient and complete uninterrupted mobile app experience to your customers with us by your side!<br></p>



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