
<p><em>“Without standards, there can be no improvement”</em> &#8211; Taiichi Ohno, Japanese engineer and businessman</p>



<p>Software testing is essential for ensuring the reliability and quality of software products.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In this fast-evolving technological landscape, people are busy juggling multiple things, and it is essential to have a set of standards and processes in place to guide and govern the testing and development of the software. These standards and processes provide a framework for managing the entire software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering to post-release maintenance. They help ensure the software meets the desired functionality, performance, and user experience expectations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In this blog, we will explore the importance of standards and processes in software testing, what are common standards, and how they contribute to the success of software testing projects.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Define_Software_Testing_Standards"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> Define: Software Testing Standards</a></li><li><a href="#Benefits_of_Software_Testing_Standards"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Benefits of Software Testing Standards</a></li><li><a href="#How_do_you_find_software_testing_standards"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> How do you find software testing standards?</a></li><li><a href="#How_do_you_choose_software_testing_standards"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> How do you choose software testing standards?</a></li><li><a href="#How_do_you_apply_software_testing_standards"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> How do you apply software testing standards?</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-define-software-testing-standards"><span id="Define_Software_Testing_Standards">Define: Software Testing Standards</span></h2>



<p>Software testing standards are a set of guidelines and principles used to define and guide the process of software testing. These standards outline the strategies, procedures, methodologies, and best practices for testing software to ensure its quality, functionality, and performance. They also provide a foundation for creating and evaluating software testing processes, techniques, and tools. Some common software testing standards include ISO/IEC 29119, IEEE 829, and ISO/IEC 9126. Adhering to these standards can help organizations improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their software testing processes and ultimately deliver high-quality software products to customers.</p>



<p>Here is a brief guide to some of the key elements of software testing standards:</p>



<ul><li><strong>Test planning:</strong> This is the process of defining the scope, objectives, and approach to software testing.</li><li><strong>Test case development:</strong> This is the process of creating test cases that will be used to test software.</li><li><strong>Test execution:</strong> This is the process of running test cases against software.</li><li><strong>Test analysis:</strong> This is the process of reviewing test results and identifying defects.</li><li><strong>Test reporting:</strong> This is the process of communicating test results to stakeholders.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-benefits-of-software-testing-standards"><span id="Benefits_of_Software_Testing_Standards">Benefits of Software Testing Standards</span></h2>



<p>Software testing standards are an important part of the software development process. They can help to improve the quality of software, reduce the risk of defects, and improve the efficiency of software testing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If you are involved in software testing, it is important to be familiar with the software testing standards that apply to your project. This will help you to ensure that you are testing software effectively and that you are meeting the expectations of your stakeholders.</p>



<p><strong>Software testing standards are important for several reasons. They can help in:</strong></p>



<ol><li>Increased Quality: Software testing standards offer guidelines, best practices, and recommendations for testing software, resulting in a more rigorous and comprehensive testing process. This, in turn, leads to higher-quality software with fewer defects.</li><li>Reduced Costs: Organizations may save time and money on rework and bug fixes by adhering to established testing standards and identifying and fixing issues earlier in the software development cycle.</li><li>Consistency: Testing standards ensure that every project and team member is uniformly executing testing. This produces outcomes that are more dependable and predictable, which facilitates problem-solving and replication.&nbsp;</li><li>Compliance: Many industries, such as healthcare, insurance, and finance, have regulatory requirements for software testing. Some regions/countries follow heavy privacy regulations when handling data. Adhering to recognized testing standards can help organizations demonstrate compliance with these regulations.</li><li>Better Communication: Testing standards provide a uniform language and framework for communicating testing operations and results. As a result, there are fewer miscommunications and mistakes among team members, stakeholders, and clients.</li><li>Risk Mitigation: Testing standards help identify potential risks and vulnerabilities in a software product, allowing organizations to address them before they become bigger problems. This reduces the likelihood of software failure or security breaches.</li><li>Improved Customer Satisfaction: Organizations can ensure that their software is thoroughly tested and meets or exceeds customer expectations by following testing standards. This leads to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.</li><li>Continuous Improvement: Software testing standards are updated and revised regularly to stay up with the latest developments in development techniques and technology. Organizations can stay up-to-date and continuously enhance their testing procedures by adhering to these standards.</li><li>Enhanced Efficiency: Organizations can boost productivity and efficiency by streamlining their testing efforts with standardized testing techniques and technologies.</li><li>Increased Confidence: By following recognized testing standards, organizations can have confidence in the quality and reliability of their software. This, in turn, can help build trust with customers and strengthen the organization&#8217;s reputation.</li></ol>



<p><strong>Commonly used Software Testing Standards:</strong></p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/649-hkRWR3WbeQMDkBxyND52tMzxAwG_WfwfR8VbTusS6ex7bibD_TQBe3aBquexBhuF0q4G3LqoNHc3RKnC90facgceoSq1f3aZx4pPMRkOBA6q76qpksVlhUbm6gl70qOrsJ16u4IRbygGSxCuS4k" alt="Commonly used Software Testing Standards:" width="800" height="800"/></figure></div>



<p>Many different software testing standards are available, each with its own set of specific requirements. Some of the most common standards include:</p>



<ul><li>ISO/IEC 29119: This international standard defines software testing processes, test documentation, and test techniques. It provides guidelines for test planning, test design, test execution, and test closure.</li><li>ISO 25000: A family of standards that guides <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/software-quality-management/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software quality management </a>and software testing.</li><li>IEEE 829: This standard specifies the structure and content of software test documentation, including test plans, test cases, and test reports.</li><li>ISO/IEC 25010: This standard focuses on quality characteristics and metrics for software products. It defines criteria for evaluating software quality attributes such as functionality, reliability, usability, and performance. Provide a common language for testers to communicate with each other.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-how-do-you-find-software-testing-standards"><span id="How_do_you_find_software_testing_standards">How do you find software testing standards?</span></h2>



<p>There are a few ways to find and get yourself familiar with software testing standards:</p>



<ul><li>Industry-specific standards organizations: Many industries have specific organizations that create and maintain standards for software testing. For example, the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (<a href="https://www.istqb.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ISTQB</a>) focuses on international software testing standards, while the American Society for Quality (ASQ) has standards for a variety of industries including software testing. Searching for and joining these organizations can provide access to their standards.</li><li>Conferences and events: Attend industry conferences and events related to software testing, where experts and professionals often share information and updates on the latest software testing standards.</li><li>Online resources: There are several websites and online resources, such as the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which provide information on software testing standards. The ISTQB, for example, has a public repository of its standards available for download. Additionally, many companies and organizations may publish their standards on their websites or make them available for purchase.</li><li>Professional networks: Networking with other software testing professionals can be a great way to learn about and access different standards. Attending industry conferences, joining online forums or groups, and connecting with other professionals on platforms like LinkedIn can provide valuable insights and resources.</li><li>Community forums and discussion boards: Join software testing community forums and discussion boards, where members often discuss and share information about software testing standards.</li><li>Training and certification courses: Many training and certification courses in software testing cover different standards and best practices. These courses can be a helpful resource for learning about and implementing standards in your testing process.</li><li>Industry publications: Subscribe to relevant industry publications, such as software testing magazines and journals, which often feature articles and updates on software testing standards.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-how-do-you-choose-software-testing-standards"><span id="How_do_you_choose_software_testing_standards">How do you choose software testing standards?</span></h2>



<p>Every organization/project has peculiar needs, so based on that, we need to choose the standard. Let’s explore what are the common factors to think about before deciding on the testing standard.</p>



<ol><li>Identify business and project goals: The first step in choosing software testing standards is to identify the business and project goals. This will help determine the scope, objectives, and requirements for testing.</li><li>Deep Understanding of the domain: It is important to understand the industry/domain in which the software is developed and used. This will help in understanding the best practices and standards that are commonly followed in the industry.</li><li>Review regulatory requirements: Regulations or standards that must be adhered to may vary depending on the type of software. These should be examined and taken into account when selecting testing standards.</li><li>Determine the level of risk: Selecting the right testing standards will also depend on how risky the program is. Stricter testing guidelines could be needed for software that has a higher risk.</li><li>Consider the type of software/application: The kind of software — web, mobile, or business software, for example—will also influence whether testing standards are appropriate.</li><li>Evaluate available testing standards: Many testing standards are available, including IEEE, ISO, and ISTQB standards. It is crucial to assess these standards and select the one that most closely matches the objectives and specifications of the project.</li><li>Analyze the team&#8217;s skills: It&#8217;s important to take into account the testing team&#8217;s qualifications and experience. It could be simpler to apply a certain testing standard if the team is already familiar with it.</li><li>Determine the budget and resources: The choice of testing standards will also be influenced by the testing resources and budget. Certain standards could call for certain equipment and supplies, which might not be available for the project.</li><li>Discuss with industry experts and other stakeholders: When selecting testing standards, it&#8217;s critical to have counsel and direction from seasoned professionals, industry experts, and project stakeholders. Based on their experience, they can offer insightful advice.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-how-do-you-apply-software-testing-standards"><span id="How_do_you_apply_software_testing_standards">How do you apply software testing standards?</span></h2>



<p>“What gets measured, gets improved” &#8211; Peter Drucker, Austrian-American consultant and educator.</p>



<ol><li>Familiarize yourself with software testing standards: The first step is to understand the various software testing standards and familiarize yourself with the standards and their requirements to ensure successful implementation.</li><li>Analyze your software testing process: Assess your present testing procedure and determine its advantages and disadvantages. This will assist you in identifying the standards that apply and need to be followed.</li><li>Define testing objectives: Establish precise goals for your testing and ascertain whether software testing standards correspond with them. This will assist in guaranteeing that your testing procedure is concentrated on accomplishing certain goals.</li><li>Detailed Test Plan: Create a thorough test plan that lists all of the tasks, activities, and resources required to satisfy software testing requirements.</li><li>Document the testing process: Record every step of the testing process, including the test cases, outcomes, and defects. To maintain consistency and traceability, this documentation should abide by the standards&#8217; requirements.</li><li>Ensure compliance: Make sure your testing process is in compliance with the requirements by conducting routine reviews and audits. This will assist in locating any gaps or areas in need of development.</li><li>Implement tools and techniques: To increase the efficacy and efficiency of the testing process, software testing standards frequently suggest certain tools and techniques. Examine these choices and take appropriate action as needed.</li><li>Train your team: It is essential to train your team on the software testing standards and guidelines to ensure they understand and adhere to them during the <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/test-process/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">testing process</a>.</li><li>Continuously improve: Assess your testing procedure on a regular basis to find opportunities for improvement. To guarantee ongoing progress, incorporate suggestions and lessons discovered into the next testing cycles.</li><li>Stay updated: Keep yourself updated with the latest developments in software testing standards to ensure that your testing process remains up-to-date and effective.&nbsp;</li><li>Communicate to all stakeholders: Once the standards have been chosen, it is important to document them and communicate them to all stakeholders. This will ensure everyone is on the same page and follows the same standards.</li></ol>



<br><p><button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/what-are-the-kpis-of-software-testing-and-qa-testsigma/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Learn more about KPIs and Metrics for Software Testing</a></button></p><br>



<h2 id="h-conclusion"><span id="Conclusion">Conclusion</span></h2>



<p>If you are involved in software testing, it is important to be familiar with the software testing standards that apply to your project, because it varies depending on the specific project and the organization. This will assist you to ensure that you are testing software effectively and that you are meeting the expectations of your stakeholders.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Testing standards play a vital role in ensuring the quality and success of software projects. By following these standards, organizations can establish consistent testing practices, improve efficiency, and deliver high-quality software that meets customer expectations. Embracing software testing standards is essential for any development team looking to enhance their testing processes and produce reliable software products.</p>



<p>P.C: Freepik</p>


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CRM Testing | What it is, Why, How to Do & Best Practices


<p>Imagine releasing a software product you&#8217;re confident about, only to find out later that users are encountering issues you thought were resolved. This scenario is more common than one might think and is often a result of &#8216;Defect Escapes&#8217;.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In the world of software testing, Defect Escape is a critical metric that points to bugs or issues slipping through the testing phase and making their way into the final release. It&#8217;s a subtle reminder of the challenges in achieving perfect software quality.</p>



<p>The importance of understanding and managing Defect Escapes cannot be overstated. It&#8217;s not just about identifying what went wrong; it&#8217;s about refining the testing processes and preventing future lapses.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In this blog post, we delve into what constitutes a Defect Escape, why it&#8217;s a crucial aspect of software quality assurance, and most importantly, how you can effectively measure and minimize these escapes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For teams aiming to enhance their software&#8217;s reliability and user satisfaction, grasping the concept of Defect Escape is essential. It&#8217;s a journey towards not only detecting bugs but also fortifying the overall quality of software development and testing practices.</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_a_Defect_Escape"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is a Defect Escape?</a></li><li><a href="#Defect_Escape_Rate_Why_Is_It_Important"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Defect Escape Rate: Why Is It Important?</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Track_Your_Defect_Escape_Rate"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> How to Track Your Defect Escape Rate?</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Improve_Your_Defect_Escape_Rate"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> How to Improve Your Defect Escape Rate?</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_an_Acceptable_Defect_Escape_Rate"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">6.1</span> What is an Acceptable Defect Escape Rate?</a></li><li><a href="#How_Do_You_Calculate_Escaped_Defects"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">6.2</span> How Do You Calculate Escaped Defects?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-a-defect-escape"><span id="What_is_a_Defect_Escape"><strong>What is a Defect Escape?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Defect Escape is a critical concept in software testing, referring to bugs that go undetected during testing and end up in the released software. This phenomenon is more than just an oversight; it highlights weaknesses in the testing process, potentially leading to increased costs, customer dissatisfaction, and harm to the brand&#8217;s reputation.</p>



<br><p><button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Learn more about software testing</a></button></p><br>



<p>Understanding and addressing Defect Escape is essential for enhancing testing strategies and overall software quality. By analyzing these incidents, teams can pinpoint and rectify gaps in their testing methodologies, leading to more robust and reliable software products. For deeper insights into optimizing testing processes, take a look at our article on <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-efficiency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test Efficiency.</a></p>



<h2 id="defect-escape-rate-why-is-it-important"><span id="Defect_Escape_Rate_Why_Is_It_Important"><strong>Defect Escape Rate: Why Is It Important?</strong></span></h2>



<p>The Defect Escape Rate is a vital metric in software testing, offering a clear quantification of how many bugs slip through the testing net into the final product. This rate is crucial for several reasons:</p>



<p>Firstly, it serves as a direct indicator of the testing process&#8217;s effectiveness. A lower defect escape rate implies a more rigorous and successful testing phase, whereas a higher rate may signal the need for process improvements. This metric helps organizations identify specific areas in their testing cycle that require attention, enabling targeted improvements.</p>



<p>Moreover, understanding the Defect Escape Rate is essential for maintaining customer satisfaction and trust. Bugs in a live environment can lead to user frustration, negative feedback, and in severe cases, loss of clientele. By striving to minimize the Defect Escape Rate, companies not only enhance the quality of their product but also safeguard their reputation and customer loyalty.</p>



<p>For a comprehensive understanding of defect management in software testing, consider exploring our in-depth article on <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/defect-tracking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Defect Tracking</a>, which provides valuable insights into tracking and managing defects efficiently.</p>



<h2 id="how-to-track-your-defect-escape-rate"><span id="How_to_Track_Your_Defect_Escape_Rate"><strong>How to Track Your Defect Escape Rate?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Tracking the defect escape rate is a fundamental aspect of ensuring software quality. This metric is typically calculated by dividing the number of defects found post-release by the total number of defects (including those found during and after testing) and then multiplying by 100 to get a percentage. This formula gives a clear picture of how effective your testing phase has been in catching bugs.</p>



<p>To effectively track this rate, it&#8217;s important to have a robust defect-tracking system in place. This system should be capable of categorizing and documenting defects throughout the software development lifecycle. Regular analysis of this data allows teams to monitor trends over time, identify recurring issues, and take proactive measures to strengthen their testing strategies.</p>



<p>Furthermore, integrating defect tracking with your development and testing tools can streamline the process, ensuring that all team members have visibility into the defect status and can respond promptly. This integrated approach can significantly enhance team collaboration and efficiency in addressing software quality issues.</p>



<p>For more insights into the tools and strategies that can help in effectively tracking and managing defects, you might find our article on <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/devops-metrics/">DevOps Metrics</a> particularly useful.</p>



<h2 id="how-to-improve-your-defect-escape-rate"><span id="How_to_Improve_Your_Defect_Escape_Rate"><strong>How to Improve Your Defect Escape Rate?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Improving the Defect Escape Rate is crucial for delivering high-quality software. This involves adopting strategies that not only detect bugs early but also prevent them from reaching the end-users. Here are key approaches to enhance your Defect Escape Rate:</p>



<p><strong>1. Find Bugs While Writing Your Code</strong></p>



<p>One of the most effective ways to reduce defect escape is to identify bugs during the coding phase itself. Implementing practices like peer code reviews and using static code analysis tools can catch errors early. This proactive approach ensures that many potential defects are addressed before they even enter the testing phase.</p>



<p><strong>2. Document Your Testing Strategy for Every Work Item</strong></p>



<p>A well-documented testing strategy for each work item ensures thoroughness and consistency in the testing process. This documentation should include test cases, expected outcomes, and special testing conditions. It serves as a roadmap for testers, helping them cover all scenarios and reducing the chances of oversight.</p>



<p><strong>3. Test Everything, Automatically!</strong></p>



<p>Automation is key in modern software testing. Automating your testing processes, especially for repetitive and routine tests, increases efficiency and accuracy. Tools that enable continuous testing and integration can help catch defects early and often, significantly lowering the Defect Escape Rate.</p>



<br><p><button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Learn more about automated testing</a></button></p><br>



<p><strong>4. Find Defects in QA Before They Make It to Production</strong></p>



<p>Quality Assurance (QA) is your last line of defence before production. Implementing rigorous QA processes, including multiple testing stages and varied testing methodologies (like regression, performance, and user acceptance testing), can catch defects that might have slipped through earlier stages.</p>



<p><strong>5. Find Defects During and After Production Deployments</strong></p>



<p>Finally, monitoring your application post-deployment is crucial. Implementing real-time monitoring tools and conducting post-release testing can help identify and rectify defects that escaped initial testing phases. This continuous vigilance ensures ongoing quality maintenance even after the product has been released.</p>



<p>Improving the Defect Escape Rate is a multifaceted approach that involves vigilance at every stage of software development. For an in-depth understanding of how to tackle missed bugs in testing, consider reading our guide<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/a-testers-guide-to-deal-with-missed-bugs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> A Tester’s Guide to Deal with Missed Bugs.</a></p>



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



<p>In summary, the Defect Escape Rate is a pivotal metric in assessing and enhancing the quality of software development. By implementing strategies such as early bug detection, thorough testing documentation, embracing automation, rigorous QA, and vigilant post-production monitoring, organizations can significantly lower their Defect Escape Rate. These practices are not just about identifying errors; they are about fostering a culture of quality and continuous improvement.</p>



<p>Ultimately, reducing the Defect Escape Rate is a collaborative and ongoing effort. It involves every member of the software development team and is integral to building reliable, user-friendly software. Embracing these principles is key to not only minimizing defects but also ensuring customer satisfaction and maintaining a competitive edge in the software industry.</p>



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



<h3 id="what-is-an-acceptable-defect-escape-rate"><span id="What_is_an_Acceptable_Defect_Escape_Rate"><strong>What is an Acceptable Defect Escape Rate?</strong></span></h3>



<p>An acceptable Defect Escape Rate varies depending on the industry, project complexity, and the specific standards of a company. Generally, a lower rate is always preferable. For high-stakes industries like healthcare or aviation, the acceptable rate is typically very low due to the critical nature of the software. In less critical applications, a slightly higher rate might be tolerable. The key is to set a benchmark based on historical data, industry standards, and the specific tolerance level of your stakeholders and customers.</p>



<h3 id="how-do-you-calculate-escaped-defects"><span id="How_Do_You_Calculate_Escaped_Defects"><strong>How Do You Calculate Escaped Defects?</strong></span></h3>



<p>Escaped defects are calculated by identifying the number of defects found in the production environment that were not caught during the testing phases. The formula for calculating the Defect Escape Rate is:&nbsp;</p>



<p>Defect Escape Rate = (Number of Defects Escaped to Production/Total Number of Defects (Pre-production + Production)) × 100</p>



<p><br><br>This calculation gives a percentage that reflects the effectiveness of your testing process in identifying and resolving defects before <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_release_life_cycle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software release</a>.</p>


What is Defect Escape | Importance & How to Measure?

What is Conventional Testing? | Types, How to Do & Challenges


<p>Does your product resonate with your target audience? To make sure your product aligns with the business requirements and satisfies the end-user goal, make use of persona testing, a powerful strategy to achieve this alignment. This approach transcends traditional testing practices by focusing on the end-users, their behaviors, and the unique personas that represent them.</p>



<p>Now, the real question is, how can you harness its potential to create user-centric, impactful products? This blog will help you understand every detail you need to know about persona testing and how you can make use of it to create a flawless and the most satisfying product for users.</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_Persona_What_Is_Persona_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What Is Persona? What Is Persona Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#How_Personas_Are_Created"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> How Personas Are Created?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_Is_Persona-Based_Testing_Important"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Why Is Persona-Based Testing Important?</a></li><li><a href="#How_To_Implement_Persona_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> How To Implement Persona Testing</a><ul><li><a href="#1_User_Analysis_and_Research"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.1</span> 1. User Analysis and Research</a></li><li><a href="#2_Creating_User_Personas"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.2</span> 2. Creating User Personas</a></li><li><a href="#3_Create_Test_Cases"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.3</span> 3. Create Test Cases</a></li><li><a href="#4_Execute_Test_Cases"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.4</span> 4. Execute Test Cases</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Creating_Persona_Test_Cases"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Creating Persona Test Cases</a></li><li><a href="#How_To_Perform_Persona_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> How To Perform Persona Testing?</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="#Do_persona-based_requirements_make_it_easier_to_test_software"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">8.1</span> Do persona-based requirements make it easier to test software?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-persona-what-is-persona-testing"><span id="What_Is_Persona_What_Is_Persona_Testing"><strong>What Is Persona? What Is Persona Testing?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Let&#8217;s break this term down: Persona &#8211;<strong> </strong>In general terms, a persona refers to the role or character that an individual assumes in various aspects of life. It can encompass different aspects of a person&#8217;s identity, behavior, and social roles. Now, let&#8217;s see what persona testing is.</p>



<p>Persona testing is a software testing approach that involves designing and executing test scenarios based on user personas. They are nothing but fictional representations of different types of users who might interact with an application.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/vPuKYQJjNdVA73uiKdFRYRtO4gBap6C-lmybXWPT6crpSDDvczvCtiLv0nCbUTnikp53XIVy6RORtphX5ED5ODsfKsH0khNmtPXfTU9QDquK0K9irZGdqcAxySui2nNdamgi9rKOKTd8SD3KzIhM6bU" alt="Persona Testing" width="891" height="594" /></figure></div>



<p><em>(Like how different superheroes have different superpowers to save the universe, different users have different purposes to use the same application)</em></p>



<h2 id="h-how-personas-are-created"><span id="How_Personas_Are_Created"><strong>How Personas Are Created?</strong></span></h2>



<p>User personas are created through previous research, interviews, or surveys with real end-users.</p>



<p>Then, testers will create test cases and user scenarios that mimic the behavior of these personas, considering their unique characteristics, goals, and preferences.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Example </strong>&#8211; I will take Testsigma as an example to give you a brief idea about how testers will create personas. As you might know, Testsigma is a low-code cloud-based test automation tool that automates web, desktop, mobile, and API tests in one place.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Now, for testers to create personas, they will determine the various target audiences of Testsigma. Target audiences are people who will use the product in the future to automate testing. After they identify the audience, they will create user personas and test cases based on that. So, the personas for Testsigma would be,</p>



<ul><li>Quality Assurance Engineers/Testers</li><li>Developers</li><li>Project Managers</li><li>Business Owners, and such.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-why-is-persona-based-testing-important"><span id="Why_Is_Persona-Based_Testing_Important"><strong>Why Is Persona-Based Testing Important?</strong></span></h2>



<p>With persona testing, you can gain valuable insights into how real users will use the product for their needs on a regular basis. Persona based testing will give you a detailed idea about who your end-users are and how your product will help solve their problem.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By simulating real-world user interactions, you can identify potential issues and ensure that the product meets the needs and expectations of diverse user groups.</p>



<p>Another benefit is that you will be able to review your user experience and see if it is easy for users to navigate through your product.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Ultimately, developers/testers can effectively validate that the product aligns with the business requirements and user expectations.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-to-implement-persona-testing"><span id="How_To_Implement_Persona_Testing"><strong>How To Implement Persona Testing</strong></span></h2>



<p>Implementing persona based testing is very interesting. Let&#8217;s see how. It involves the following steps,</p>



<h3 id="h-1-user-analysis-and-research"><span id="1_User_Analysis_and_Research"><strong>1. User Analysis and Research</strong></span></h3>



<p>The first step is to research who your end-users are and to identify their objectives and more. You can do so with surveys, interviews, or any form of feedback from real users.</p>



<h3 id="h-2-creating-user-personas"><span id="2_Creating_User_Personas"><strong>2. Creating User Personas</strong></span></h3>



<p>As discussed above, testers will create personas with the research findings. The personas represent different end users who will utilize the software.</p>



<h3 id="h-3-create-test-cases"><span id="3_Create_Test_Cases"><strong>3. Create Test Cases</strong></span></h3>



<p>After the user personas are created, develop test cases for each persona. These test cases will mimic how each persona is expected to interact with the software.</p>



<h3 id="h-4-execute-test-cases"><span id="4_Execute_Test_Cases"><strong>4. Execute Test Cases</strong></span></h3>



<p>Once the test cases are created, execute them manually or using automated testing tools. The testing should be done in a production-like environment, simulating how users engage with the software in real-world scenarios.</p>



<h2 id="h-creating-persona-test-cases"><span id="Creating_Persona_Test_Cases"><strong>Creating Persona Test Cases</strong></span></h2>



<p>As we discussed above, creating persona test cases involves a few steps before it, like identifying the target audience and their scenarios. Now, we will create test cases for a certain persona to understand how test cases vary from persona to persona.</p>



<p>To simplify this, I will take a travel application as an example. The different user personas for this application will be as follows,</p>



<ol><li>The end user who is trying to book a plane ticket/hotel reservation/ resort stay</li><li>Admin who is responsible for managing everything on the application</li><li>Business owners who are trying to update their details on the application and more.</li></ol>



<p>Let&#8217;s take the &#8216;<strong><em>end-user&#8217;</em></strong> persona to create test cases for a travel application.</p>



<p><strong>User Persona</strong> &#8211; End-user</p>



<p><strong>Test Scenario</strong> &#8211; A user trying to book tickets using the travel application site</p>



<p>Imagine a user is trying to book tickets using a travel web application like Booking.com. I am going to create test cases for Booking.com from an end-user perspective. The test cases for the above scenario will be as follows:</p>



<p><strong>Sample Test Cases</strong></p>



<ul><li>Navigate to the website (https://www.booking.com/)</li><li>Login/sign up for the application using the credentials</li><li>Select the from and to details along with date details, return details, and passenger class.</li><li>Click on Search Flights</li><li>Book a flight after comparing the dates, price, time, etc.</li><li>Check out to make the payment</li><li>Wait for booking confirmation and ensure you receive e-tickets via email.</li><li>Then, log out or manage your tickets.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-how-to-perform-persona-testing"><span id="How_To_Perform_Persona_Testing"><strong>How To Perform Persona Testing?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Now, consider the same example stated above. I will take the end-user persona and create test cases for a user who is trying to book a flight ticket.&nbsp;</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/8Yb4jzBiukwRqyASNSh1Rs0D8tpmJDLyHLqbMIFftky-6Ktu1JC2D2cj6cDTdlTj-L431sjTv4clEXBj5FwT8icqXyHPXURXocBKXEIrHznn0TMupq0jlMD9sBN23W-p_Wwq8mIoye4b7c40in3R8_0" alt="Persona Based Testing Example" /></figure></div>



<p>Like always, automate testing for high efficiency and accurate results.</p>



<br><p><button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Learn more about automating your tests</a></button></p><br>



<p>&nbsp;I will demonstrate how you can automate web application testing using Testsigma for the above persona. As you might already know, Testsigma is a low-code, cloud-based, AI-driven test automation platform that supports web, mobile, and desktop apps and API testing in one place.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/ca7XxyxMcUSoSaHeNGVrkTx2ssrbYLrLmctV7xgZHwxifOMHO3esonU7zYAtuE77TDwfwb6hybCr61NM3e6fqaaU7kDvKkniJSS2E-_4g-IMRW5s1uL0xqQ-0f5YsQgxMx2D5m0pVf1TXHDC5gc0EF0" alt=" Persona Testing with Testsigma" /></figure></div>



<p>We know the persona and the application we are going to test, so let&#8217;s start creating test cases using Testsigma.</p>



<p>With Testsigma, creating test cases is very simple and quick, as it supports NLPs. That is, one can create test cases using simple English. It doesn&#8217;t support just that. It further supports record-and-play feature and code-based testing with Java.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It makes testing more accessible and a perfect choice for both technical and non-technical users, as it supports both <a href="https://testsigma.com/codeless-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">codeless testing</a> and code-based testing in one place.</p>



<p><strong>Step 1 </strong>&#8211; Log in to the application. If not, <a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sign up</a> already!</p>



<p><strong>Step 2 </strong>&#8211; Start creating test steps using the appropriate NLPs. Or, use the record feature to record user interactions and create them as automated tests.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/DNRtdXNbnHU7TflGlRXSOCi7gPD_WIsoE8svXFe0P-ODdFOtYpsuMjMSFxYim9hNn8A02UxsPLGJzuR77XFT8ae8ALwbB7bGK9KKsJbIXzJOYdxbr45IOLE0DQCCx2z668qqTYjnewmKRy_MMiELp54" alt="Testsigma for test automation" /></figure></div>



<p><strong>Step 3</strong> &#8211; After creating the test cases, click on the Run button to execute them.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/76bBqDl2IkRaT82QFdxB5RCGunPFFjAcrGUXN_otKAWCPEaKkCnsh9blQlK7LkJwlUqdMsr6qmq3azDu-HEwaRLliPOgLtTVi8asF4Gka9pV-EhgWnJVIa9z27fNm6ANbKcca-5_YOGXimWXG927NV4" alt="Testsigma for test automation" /></figure></div>



<p></p>



<p><strong>Step 4 </strong>&#8211; After successful test execution, you will get detailed test results.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/Fl5CtKVnvbZ5mI4VGMCUntqy7K3t78lrU2gmL_bOOPmgzqLIWBdZEzFhBR5dRZwo8ZonovWeV4IIzTEN8r3HsIBSvW9hYjjVpeHriISRhsApEmFLu-U-clxm0cnqZyurYUVeimzjbDi1eMXDospHq2o" alt="Testsigma for test automation" /></figure></div>



<p>Now, testers will share the test results with the development team. Now, developers will start working on any identified bugs and update the bug-fixing status to the testing team. Now, testers will again retest the application with the same test cases (re-run the test cases) to check that the bugs are fixed and the application is working as expected. That is what you call <a href="https://testsigma.com/regression-testing/automated-regression-testing-tool" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated regression testing</a>.</p>



<br><p><button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Learn more about automating your tests with Testsigma</a></button></p><br>



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



<p>Persona testing is an intriguing way to evaluate a software&#8217;s user experience. By putting your users at the forefront and understanding their diverse needs, you pave the way for a more intuitive, engaging, and successful product.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Implementing persona testing as a regular practice empowers businesses to stay attuned to user expectations, fostering continuous improvement and innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of digital experiences.</p>



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



<h3 id="h-do-persona-based-requirements-make-it-easier-to-test-software"><span id="Do_persona-based_requirements_make_it_easier_to_test_software"><strong>Do persona-based requirements make it easier to test software?</strong></span></h3>



<p>Yes, persona-based testing makes software testing more efficient. That is because, with user personas, you will be able to understand more about your end-user requirements and how easy it is for them to use your software.</p>



<p>Personas bring a human touch to testing by replicating real user interactions to identify important flaws and improve <a href="https://www.javatpoint.com/software-engineering-software-quality" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software quality</a>. They offer insights into diverse user interactions with the platform.</p>


What Is Persona Testing & How To Perform It