Exploratory Testing

We're experts in Full Stack Exploratory testing and we've found that this method particularly suits products and projects that are high risk, high visibility and high complexity. Exploratory testing is the most effective and most efficient test process when budgets and timelines are tight.

Exploratory testing was invented in Silicon Valley in the 1980s and defined in the 1990s. It refers to a methodology that tests software through a process of simultaneous learning, creating a responsive approach to testing that evolves as the software develops. As a result, it delivers a broader coverage of risks and a sharper focus on the most critical issues. In essence, exploratory testing seeks to understand how software actually works in practice, not how it was intended to work.

The conventional approach to testing – scripted testing – searches through software programming to find errors using a prescribed route. In contrast, exploratory testing depends on the skill of the tester to examine the design of the project and to highlight errors in software architecture, illogical functionality and inconsistencies in approach.

Exploratory testing is a highly effective way to identify critical issues and requires well trained and educated testers who are empowered to think in original ways. Companies who wish to outsource testing to less well trained teams, often overseas, rarely use the exploratory approach.

You may have business requirements or protocols that require scripted testing. In this case, a combined approach often works well.

We recommend exploratory testing particularly when scripted testing seems to be working well but your users appear unhappy.

To discuss the best approach to testing your project, please contact us.