In pursuit of happiness

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Friday, May 04, 2007

Could Software Testing equal happiness?

Are you laughing at the fact that software testing could relate to feeling thrilled, delighted, over the moon and happy?

How could this be possible if software testing and quality assurance is the most dreaded and under funded part of a project?

It is quite simple...really!

The best way to show this point is through example. Consider these two fictious examples.

Project unhappy

The facts:

• Minimal software testing performed at the end of the project.
• Testing that was performed focused on wrong areas.
• People testing were not dedicated testers.
• Cost per bug was very high.

The outcome:

• Security bugs – system gets hacked resulting in users losing confidence. The customer makes a quick dash to a competitor.
• Usability issues – users cannot perform essential tasks. Don't customers have better things to be doing with their precious time?
• Functionality problems – errors keep appearing, system keeps crashing when all the user just wants to get a job done.
• And the list could go on…

End result is unhappiness:

• End users and customers: what a waste of time and money, other options are just a click away.
• Client: precious time and money lost.
• Software company: possible bad reputation, legal action, loss of sales.

Project happy

The facts:

• Software testing built in from the beginning.
• Conscious awareness of quality from all project members.
• Risk based approach with expert bug hunters.
• More bugs found at a lower cost.

The outcome:

• Stable and secure software.
• Software built with users in mind.
• Functionally sound code.
• And much more...

End result is happiness:

• Positive experience in using the software for the end users
• Client is over the moon that money has been saved and productivity has increased.
• Software company gains a great reputation and repeat business from current client.
• Stress levels are low, happiness is at an all time high.

Quality software is the answer

Quality need not cost the earth. If done with thought and skill you may find a bit of investment upfront will not only save you money, but will also make all the people around you very happy. You do the maths.

In search of happiness?

DrivenQA are happy to help! Just get in touch.