Find hidden bugs faster with professional exploratory testing
Unlike scripted tests that follow a rigid plan, exploratory testing lets testers use their instincts, knowledge, and creativity to find overlooked defects.
Why Use Exploratory Testing
Even the most thorough test plan has blind spots, as it’s built on assumptions about how people will use the software. Exploratory testing helps fill those gaps:
- Improves test coverage: It can go over areas that scripted and regression tests might miss
- Uncovers hidden dependencies: It reveals unexpected links between different parts of the system
- Spots user experience issues: It shows how easy or hard it is for users to navigate the software
- Informs future testing: Lessons learned can be used to create smarter, more targeted scripted tests
- Supports agile development: Exploratory testing works well with the flexible, adaptable nature of agile projects
When To Use Exploratory Testing
Exploratory testing isn’t a replacement for scripted testing. However, it shines in specific situations:
- Early development stages: When the product is still taking shape
- Quick product overviews: When the tester needs to get up to speed fast
- High-stakes apps: To uncover critical issues before release
- Complex, new, or unfamiliar features: Where creativity and intuition can pay off
- Incomplete or outdated documentation: When there’s little to guide scripted testing
Our Exploratory Testing Services
Exploratory Testing for Mobile
We’ll test every nook and cranny, from swift swipes to tricky input validation. We’ll check connectivity to uncover bugs related to offline mode, data sync, and slow response times. And don’t worry about compatibility – we’ll test on the same devices your users love.
Exploratory Testing for Web
Users have their own way of navigating websites. We’ll click, scroll, and explore just like your customers do. With our deep understanding of web technologies, browser differences, and specialized tools, we’ll make sure your app is ready for prime time.
Exploratory Testing for Desktop
We think like users to find the hidden problems in your desktop app. We’ll report confusing menus, unclear buttons, and frustrating feedback. Beyond usability, we check for compatibility, performance, and how well your app works with other software.
Exploratory Testing for SaaS
SaaS applications are intricate systems with many moving parts. Our exploratory testing digs deep to uncover the subtle nuances and unexpected behaviors that can frustrate users. With a proven track record in SaaS testing, we excel at finding critical problems.
Types of Exploratory Testing
Scenario-Based Testing
Testers imagine how different users would interact with the app to complete typical tasks. They create realistic scenarios based on the perspectives of new, experienced, and casual users. This ensures the app meets everyone’s needs.
Pair Testing
Pair testing is ideal for complex apps or mentoring less experienced testers. A seasoned tester is paired with a new tester or domain expert: one uses the app while the other observes and provides input.
Charter-Based Testing
A test charter outlines the primary goal of the test session, the specific features to be tested, the necessary tools, and the expected duration. It sets the direction but lets testers decide how to explore.
Time-Boxed Testing
This method involves time-boxed sessions where testers explore specific parts of an app under a strict time limit. This creates a sense of urgency and challenges testers to find as many critical defects as possible quickly.
Freestyle Testing
Testers have complete freedom to explore an app without any predefined structure. Their experience, intuition, and curiosity guide the testing process. It’s perfect for quickly getting a feel for an app’s overall health.
Risk-Based Testing
This approach focuses on high-impact app areas, such as security features, critical user paths, and sections with a history of problems. It’s used to ensure the reliability of those vulnerable spots before a major release.
Selected Cases
Why You Should Choose QAwerk
Deep Expertise
Our testing team brings over 9 years of experience and a keen understanding of diverse platforms to the table. This ensures efficient exploratory testing and valuable insights.
Comprehensive Coverage
With testers in several locations and a large suite of real devices, we cover a broad spectrum of platforms and networks, ensuring your product is ready for a global audience.
Easy Onboarding
We make getting started a breeze. Choose the tools and communication channels that work best for you. You’ll be amazed at how smoothly the process goes.
Sharp Focus
Our testers are skilled at uncovering critical issues without wasting time on checking low-impact functionalities. With QAwerk, you get the most bang for your buck.
Flexible Approach
We offer flexible, on-demand testing to match your project’s needs. We can quickly ramp up or down our testing resources, so that you always have the right level of support.
Proven Impact
Our exploratory testing will boost your product’s quality, usability, and performance. Our clients have seen impressive results, from winning awards to landing big acquisitions.
Want to catch bugs that slip through the cracks?
Let’s TalkOther Services We Offer
Regression Testing
Reduce the risk of costly post-release issues with regular and comprehensive regression testing.
Accessibility Testing
Ensure your product is inclusive for all users. We’ll help identify and rectify barriers faced by people with disabilities.
Overnight Testing
Leverage the time zone difference with our team in Ukraine to accelerate time to market by 20%. We test while you sleep.
Performance Testing
Make your app lightning-fast. We’ll test your app’s speed, responsiveness, and scalability under various load conditions.
Automated Testing
Accelerate your software delivery and enhance product quality by automating repetitive test cases.
API Testing
Deliver exceptional digital experiences with a reliable API. We examine APIs for functionality, performance, and security.
Penetration Testing
Protect your customer data. We simulate real-world cyberattacks to find vulnerabilities in your systems, apps, and networks.
Compatibility Testing
Delight every user. We’ll test your app across numerous devices, operating systems, browsers, and hardware configurations.
FAQ
Can exploratory testing be used alongside other testing methods?
Yes. Exploratory testing complements scripted testing and is super helpful in finding new test scenarios. Together, they enhance overall test coverage.
What are the key benefits of selecting exploratory testing services?
Exploratory testing in Agile offers several advantages:
- Allows testers to explore the product like a user
- Helps find bugs not covered by scripted tests
- Helps identify new testing scenarios and thus improve test coverage
- Enables faster feedback on the product’s quality, accelerating time-to-market
What are some common issues that exploratory testing can identify?
Exploratory testing is particularly effective at uncovering issues that might be overlooked in scripted testing, such as:
- Non-intuitive or obstructed navigation
- Errors in data handling
- Slow response times
- Compatibility problems
- Crashes, freezes, or other unexpected app behavior triggered by unusual user interactions or combinations of inputs
How do you document findings during exploratory testing?
Exploratory testing software is key to the effective documentation of testing results. We typically use screen recorders, test management systems, and issue-tracking software to capture and organize our findings.