Category: Performance Testing

Enhancing Fintech Success: Role of UAT in Driving Customer Satisfaction and Adoption

Posted on by Yogesh Kumar Gupta

In the dynamic landscape of financial technology (fintech), where innovation unfolds at a rapid pace, the significance of user experience testing cannot be overstated. User experience (UX) testing plays a pivotal role in shaping the success of fintech applications by ensuring they meet the evolving needs of users.

This blog delves into the importance of user experience testing in fintech applications, examining its impact on customer satisfaction and adoption.

Understanding User Experience Testing

User experience testing involves the evaluation of how users interact with a product or service, with the aim of identifying and addressing potential usability issues. In the context of fintech applications, which encompass a wide array of financial services delivered through digital platforms, user experience testing becomes a critical component of the development process. This testing involves assessing the user interface (UI), navigation, responsiveness, and overall usability of the application.

Importance of User Experience Testing (UAT) in Fintech

1. Building Trust and Credibility:

Fintech applications often handle sensitive financial information, and users place a high premium on security and trust. Through rigorous UX testing, developers can ensure that security features are robust, and the overall design instills confidence in users. A positive and trustworthy user experience contributes significantly to building credibility, a crucial factor in the highly competitive fintech sector.

2. Optimizing User Interface (UI):

The UI is the gateway through which users interact with fintech applications. A well-designed UI, refined through meticulous testing, enhances user engagement and satisfaction. Clarity in design, intuitive navigation, and a visually appealing interface contribute to a positive user experience, making users more likely to adopt and stick with the application.

3. Enhancing Accessibility:

Fintech services should be accessible to a diverse user base. UX testing ensures that applications are inclusive, considering users with different abilities and requirements. By focusing on accessibility features, such as screen reader compatibility and keyboard navigation, fintech companies can broaden their user base and provide financial services to a more extensive and diverse audience.

4. Streamlining Processes and Workflows:

Fintech applications often involve complex financial transactions and processes. Through user experience testing (UAT), developers can identify bottlenecks, streamline workflows, and simplify processes. This not only improves user satisfaction by making interactions more efficient but also reduces the likelihood of errors, contributing to a seamless user experience.

5. Adapting to User Behavior:

User behavior evolves, and fintech applications must adapt to meet changing expectations. UX testing involves analyzing user feedback and behavior patterns to identify areas for improvement. Regular testing allows developers to stay ahead of user needs, ensuring that the application remains relevant and appealing over time.

Impact on Customer Satisfaction

1. Reduced Friction and Frustration:

A well-tested user experience minimizes friction and frustration, leading to higher customer satisfaction. Users are more likely to engage with an application that functions seamlessly, without unexpected errors or confusing interfaces. A positive first impression can significantly impact how users perceive the overall service.

2. Increased User Retention:

Fintech companies face fierce competition, and retaining users is as important as attracting new ones. A positive user experience, validated through testing, contributes to higher user retention rates. Users who find value in the application and enjoy a smooth, user-friendly experience are more likely to remain loyal customers.

3. Positive Word-of-Mouth:

Satisfied users become brand advocates, sharing their positive experiences with others. Word-of-mouth recommendations can significantly influence the adoption of fintech applications. Therefore, investing in user experience testing is not just about satisfying current users but also about creating a positive reputation that attracts new users.

Impact on Adoption

1. Accelerated Onboarding:

Fintech applications often require users to navigate complex financial tools. Effective UX testing streamlines the onboarding process, making it more intuitive and user-friendly. An easy-to-understand onboarding experience accelerates user adoption by reducing the learning curve and encouraging users to explore and utilize the full range of features.

2. Increased Conversion Rates:

User experience directly influences conversion rates. Whether it’s completing a financial transaction, signing up for a new service, or simply navigating the application, a positive user experience increases the likelihood of users taking desired actions. This, in turn, contributes to higher conversion rates and a more successful fintech application.

3. Competitive Advantage:

In a crowded fintech landscape, where users have numerous options, a superior user experience can be a significant competitive advantage. Fintech companies that invest in UX testing differentiate themselves by providing a more enjoyable and efficient experience, attracting users away from competitors and solidifying their position in the market.

Conclusion

User experience testing (UAT Testing) is not merely a checkbox in the development process; it is a strategic imperative for fintech companies aiming to thrive in a competitive market. By prioritizing UX testing, fintech applications can build trust, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive user adoption. The impact is not only felt in the short term but also positions the application for long-term success by adapting to user needs and preferences in an ever-changing financial landscape. As fintech continues to evolve, the role of UX testing remains instrumental in ensuring that digital financial services meet the expectations of an increasingly diverse and discerning user base.

Software Testing in IoT: Ensuring a Connected Future

Posted on by Yogesh Kumar Gupta

The Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed the way we interact with technology, connecting everyday devices to the internet and enabling them to communicate with each other. This interconnected ecosystem has revolutionized industries, from healthcare to manufacturing, but it also presents unique challenges, especially in terms of testing. Testing in IoT is crucial to ensure the reliability, security, and functionality of these devices and systems. In this article, we will explore the significance of IoT testing, the challenges it poses, and the best practices for a connected future.

Understanding IoT Testing

IoT testing involves evaluating the hardware, software, and network components that makeup IoT devices and systems. This process aims to ensure that IoT devices function correctly, reliably, and securely. It encompasses various aspects, including:

Functional Testing: QA Functional testing ensures that the IoT device or system performs its intended tasks. It involves validating functions such as data collection, analysis, and communication.

Performance Testing: IoT devices need to meet performance benchmarks to provide real-time data and responses. Performance testing checks factors like latency, throughput, and scalability.

Security Testing: IoT devices are vulnerable to security threats. Security testing identifies and addresses potential vulnerabilities and helps protect sensitive data.

Compatibility Testing: As IoT systems consist of various devices and platforms, compatibility testing ensures that they work seamlessly together.

Interoperability Testing: This ensures that IoT devices can communicate and interact with each other, regardless of their manufacturer or communication protocols.

Challenges in IoT Testing

Testing in the IoT ecosystem is challenging due to its unique characteristics:

Diversity of Devices: IoT devices come in various forms and use different technologies. Testing must encompass this diversity, making it complex.

Scalability: IoT systems often involve thousands or even millions of devices. Testing at scale can be daunting.

Real-Time Data: Many IoT applications require real-time data processing. Testing for responsiveness and accuracy in real-time scenarios is demanding.

Security Concerns: IoT devices are susceptible to cyberattacks. Ensuring security is a top priority but can be challenging due to the numerous potential vulnerabilities.

Complex Ecosystems: IoT systems are typically part of a larger interconnected ecosystem. Testing for interoperability within this ecosystem is a complex task.

Best Practices for IoT Testing

To overcome these challenges, IoT testing should follow best practices:

Test Automation: Utilize test automation tools to handle the scale and diversity of IoT devices. Automation improves efficiency and repeatability.

Security Testing: Security should be a primary concern. Conduct penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and regular security audits.

Realistic Testing Environments: Simulate real-world conditions to assess how IoT devices perform under various scenarios.

Prototyping and Simulation: Create prototypes or simulations for testing early in the development process, reducing costs and risks.

Standardization: Adhere to industry standards and protocols to ensure interoperability between devices and systems.

Continuous Monitoring: Implement continuous testing and monitoring to identify and address issues as they arise.

Data Management: Develop strategies for efficient data collection, storage, and analysis during testing.

Feedback Loop: Establish a feedback loop between testing and development teams to improve the quality of IoT systems over time.

Real-World Examples

Several industries have recognized the importance of Internet of Things (IoT) testing:

Healthcare: Remote patient monitoring devices require rigorous testing to ensure the accuracy of vital data and the security of patient information.

Smart Cities: Testing is critical for the smooth operation of smart city applications, such as traffic management, waste management, and public safety.

Manufacturing: IoT sensors on machinery help predict maintenance needs. Testing is essential to avoid costly downtime due to sensor failures.

Agriculture: IoT sensors in agriculture help optimize crop management. Testing ensures these sensors provide accurate data for informed decision-making.

Conclusion

IoT has revolutionized the way we live and work, offering unprecedented opportunities for connectivity and automation. However, the success of the Internet of Things (IoT) depends on effective testing to ensure reliability, security, and functionality. With the right testing strategies and best practices, we can unlock the full potential of the Internet of Things and build a connected future that enhances our lives and industries.

Who should test your application? A developer or a tester?

Posted on by Yogesh Kumar Gupta

Who should test the application? The deciding battle whether to hire a tester or a developer is never-ending. The objective is to verify and validate the application while finding the defects before its release and ensuring its quality.  

While developers aim at creating and developing the application to its best, testers aim at ensuring the application design is of good quality.  

One of the most important factors differentiating a developer and a tester is that the developer stops testing when the application works once while the tester starts testing when the application works. Also, it depends on the mindset that reflects their attitude toward the development of the application.  

Hence, if you are struggling with who can test your application better, then you need to understand how they work. We’re sure at the end of this write-up, you will know the answer.  

How does a tester test? 

A tester… 

1) Tries out both the beaten path and the “odd ways” of testing an application 

  • Testing may sound like a common process. A tester is a person who is responsible for trying out all the necessary usage scenarios for the best working of an application.  
  • Testers follow both the regular testing process and their unconventional ways to ensure that the application works as expected.  
  • A tester is more focused on addressing defects and resolving them before the application can be deployed to users.  
  • Hence, a tester follows both the beaten path and odd ways to try out several different approaches to do the same thing. The agenda is to determine whether a specific combination of steps may lead to application failure or unexpected results.  

2) Tests the same thing over and over again until gets 100% of the expected results 

  • Tester idealizes the process of continuous testing. A tester starts the testing the moment it becomes available.  
  • This type of application testing can also rely on test automation that is integrated with the deployment process.  
  • Though automated testing enables the application to be validated in realistic test environments. However, an ideal tester urges to test the application over and over again.  
  • A result-oriented tester is focused on improving the application design and reducing risks.    

3) Doesn’t limit to the usual process of what needs to be tested and how it needs to be tested 

  • A tester is involved in assessing many stages. Ideally, organizations maintain test assets to track what an application builds to test.  
  • However, a tester is not limited to what needs to be tested. A tester gains access to assets such as requirements, codes, models, test scripts, design documents, and test results.  
  • A tester is completely aware of the parameters of what needs to be tested and how it needs to be tested.  
  • An ideal tester focuses on user authentication and audit trails to help companies meet compliance requirements with minimal administrative effort.  

4) Don’t assume that it will work every time and everywhere 

  • A tester is determined to offer perfection when it comes to testing results. Hence, a tester analyzes the success of testing based on reports and analytics. It eventually helps other team members to share status, goals, and results.  
  • A tester never assumes that the same process will work every time and everywhere. Thus, a tester incorporates advanced tools to integrate project metrics and present results in a dashboard.  
  • This particular practice makes the tester super confident and lets the teams quickly see the overall health of the project. 
  • A tester tests to establish the parameter that defines the development of the application while monitoring relationships between development, test, and other significant elements.  

5) Never satisfied even if it works in the most ways, needs the application to work in every way 

  • A tester knows that testing can be time-consuming. Still, the tester is never satisfied with regular procedures even if it works in most ways.  
  • Several automated software testing tools are used to complete the testing process. However, a tester feels incomplete with automation and runs manual testing or ad-hoc testing to be 100% sure.  
  • The tester is more focused on making sure that the application works in every way irrespective of any circumstances.  
  • A tester is not ready to accept that automated testing helps implement different scenarios and test differentiators. The tester never feels satisfied until the application works in every bit possible way.  

How does a developer test? 

A developer… 

1) Follows the obvious way like how an application is meant to be used 

  • A developer is quite practical in the process and works on the application the way it is meant to be used. Once the features of the application have been nailed down, the developer is supposed to convert them into an actual application. 
  • The developer uses a variety of tools that include programming language, integrated development environments, data structures, staging serves, and more to get the application started.   
  • Once the primary development of the application is completed, a developer tests the application in a regular, necessary way to make sure the application runs the way it should.  

2) Tests once and gets satisfied if the feature works fine  

  • Mostly, a developer follows a definite testing process where the developer writes down and executes basic test cases.  
  • Ideally, this process helps to determine whether the application is structurally sound and performing properly or not. Once the results are in favor, the developer makes the end call and finalizes it.  
  • The developer would only test once if the results are accurate in one try. The developer feels satisfied if the features of the application work fine and even work in usually used ways.  

3) Doesn’t explore and is limited to what needs to be tested  

  • Ideally, a developer is focused on unit testing that is not similar to the way a tester does. The process is followed by developers to determine any necessary bugs while ensuring the application works as expected.  
  • If everything seems good, a developer won’t make extra effort to explore more possibilities of any glitches while using the application.  
  • Developers are aware of bugs that can’t be identified by them. Their mind-sets are focused to follow the usual testing process and report the functioning of the application.  

Conclusion:  

During the testing process, both the tester and developer work in their best possible ways to give 100% favorable results. However, certain parameters can’t be examined by the developer. And this is where the tester’s role comes in.  

Uncover the hidden bugs with Non Functional Testing.

Posted on by Yogesh Kumar Gupta

Even when you think you have got it right, Non Functional Testing can expose the hidden flaws

This is your big idea. Maybe, not necessarily yours, it’s your client’s. But you have spent months mulling over the concept, assembling the best team of developers and you are ready to go. Your end goal is to solve problems and make life easier for the end user, right? Well, achieving client satisfaction and maintaining a positive end-user experience is hinged on one important factor; Testing.

Quality Assurance (QA) is a pivotal part of your mobile/web application development lifecycle. Whether it be a pre-installed, installed, or browser-based app, rigorous testing of functionality, compatibility, and usability, among others must be done every step of the way.

Functional Testing

Functional testing is an important and popular step in the app development process. Primarily because, focusing on an AUT’s ability and efficiency to perform as required is second nature to QA practice. However, it is important to note that non-functional testing is as equally important as functional testing because it greatly affects client satisfaction and the whole user experience. In this article, I will attempt to explain what QA non-functional testing is, differentiate between functional and non-functional testing, and highlight the importance of non-functional testing.

Non-functional Testing

It is a type of software test for assessing the non-functional aspects (e.g. performance, usability, reliability, etc.) of a software application. It is essentially aimed at testing the abilities of a system on such non-functional parameters which are usually not done by functional testing. In other words, this testing handles the aspects of a software application which is not connected with the defined user action or a function.

TYPES OF NON-FUNCTIONAL TESTING

Security Testing:

This checks how a system is safeguarded against intentional or spontaneous attacks from known or unknown sources, also known as VAPT (Vulnerability and Penetration Testing). It also detects loopholes within the system and measures the vulnerability of an AUT to being hacked.

Both Manual and Automated assessment of vulnerabilities through active and passive scans are part of this testing.

Performance Testing:

Performance testing encompasses a number of parameters. 

  • Load Testing: Load testing checks  the ability of a system/ AUT to deal with different numbers of users given a performance range. 
  • Stress Testing: Stress Testing assesses the tenacity of an AUT, measuring what happens to the system when put under valid load in excess of its originally designed capacity. For instance, how many users working on a particular app at a time can cause it to crash?
  • Endurance Testing: This test is essential to know the stability of the system over a period of time and to see if small errors that are accumulated over the said period can affect the efficacy and integrity of the system.
  • Recovery Testing: This checks that the software system continues to perform to the required standards and recovers completely in the unfortunate case of a system failure.
  • Reliability Testing: This is done to check the extent to which any software system repeatedly performs a given function without failure. 
  • Scalability Testing: The scalability test is essential for commercialization of a product. It measures the extent to which a software application can expand its processing capacity to meet an increase in demand. 

Portability Testing:

The ease with which a software can be changed or transferred from its current environment (hardware/software) to  another is checked by portability testing.

Usability Testing: 

The ease with which any user can learn, operate, and interact with a system is measured by the usability test.

Other tests performed during the non-functional testing phase include Failover Testing, Compatibility Testing, Accessibility Testing, Maintainability Testing, Volume Testing, Disaster Recovery Testing, Compliance Testing, Documentation Testing, Internationalization and Localization Testing etc.

Ultimately, the motive of this is to test all characteristics of an application that would help to produce a product that meets the expectations of the user. It helps to improve the developer’s knowledge of the product behaviour, latest trends in technology and supports research development.

Functional Testing and Non Functional Testing: Two Different Concepts

The major difference between the two types of testing is this: Functional testing ensures that your product meets customer and business requirements and doesn’t have any major bugs. Non-functional testing verifies that the product meets the end user’s expectations. 

Functional Testing:

Functional testing is a type of software testing that evaluates the system against the functional requirements. It focuses on verifying that the software/application performs its intended functions correctly. The objective is to ensure that the system meets the specified functional requirements and operates as expected.

Non-Functional Testing:

Non-functional testing, also known as quality attributes testing, focuses on evaluating the performance, reliability, usability, and other non-functional aspects of a software/application. It aims to assess the system’s behavior under different conditions, rather than its specific functionalities.

The major difference between the two types of testing is this: Functional testing ensures that your product meets customer and business requirements and doesn’t have any major bugs. Non-functional testing verifies that the product meets the end user’s expectations.

Functional and Non-Functional tests are technically differentiated from each other based on their objective, focus area, functionality, ease of use, and execution.

Functional and Non-Functional tests are technically differentiated from each other based on their objective, focus area, functionality, ease of use and execution.

Objective: 

Functional testing assesses the behavior of the software system of the AUT such as login function, valid/ invalid inputs, etc. whereas Non-functional testing deals with the performance or usability of the software.

Focus area:

Functional testing focuses on customer requirements, while Non-functional testing focuses on user expectations.

Functionality: 

Functional tests check that the system works as expected. It testing checks how well the system works.

Ease of use: 

Functional testing is easy to execute manually, like black box testing but it is hard to execute non-functional testing manually. It is more feasible to use automated tools.

Execution:

Functional testing generally gets performed before non-functional testing, i.e. before the compilation of code while Non-Functional testing is mostly performed after the compilation of code.

Now, imagine finalizing the masterpiece you have created, and testing its functional requirements fully, leaving out its non-functional requirements.

Would you like to predict what would happen when the application is subjected to a massive load when it goes live? Would you be confident of its stress capabilities?

Would you want to imagine how slow it may become? What if it crashes on product launch day? Or an unauthorised party completely takes over the functionality of the system? These scenarios depicted make no pleasurable viewing. I wouldn’t want to touch such a product with a ten-foot pole or be associated in any way with it.

Though testing over the years have been traditionally limited to the functional requirements, the concept of non-functional testing has gradually become an integral part of software processing, without which consumer expectations may not be fully met. When a product fails to meet these expectations, it affects the reputation of the developers, company, and even the overall product sale. This is why non-functional testing cannot be ignored.

Both functional and non-functional testing are crucial for ensuring the overall quality, reliability, and user satisfaction of a software/application. They complement each other by validating different aspects of the system’s performance and behavior.

Non-functional testing is primarily focused on evaluating the performance, reliability, security, and usability aspects of a software system. While it may not directly target detecting hidden bugs, it can indirectly help uncover certain types of bugs or issues that may not be apparent during functional testing.

While non-functional testing techniques can help uncover hidden bugs indirectly, it’s important to note that functional testing, which tests against the expected behavior and requirements, remains essential for detecting most bugs and ensuring the software meets its intended purpose.

When you think you have got it right, it will expose all the hidden flaws!

Non Functional Governance

Posted on by Yogesh Kumar Gupta

One of the key factors determining your product success is the end user’s experience of using your product. And you would agree that its way beyond just functional correctness of your product. Whole lot of factors like usability, performance and security determine how end user feels about your product. Unfortunately these performance, security and usability testing are often looked at towards end of development lifecycle.

How Crestech helps govern your non functional requirements

Though our Non functional governance solution, Crestech help enterprises in setting up and managing Non Functional governance centers within their development teams  so that non functional requirements like performance, security, usability, content etc. are tested throughout the SDLC and not just towards the end. This includes

  • Defining all the non functional parameters that impact product usage experience
  • Validating product requirements for completeness of Non Functional parameters
  • Setting up development best practices around non functional aspects of product
  • Setting up periodic code and architecture reviews to flush out usability, performance and security flaws early in lifecycle
  • Testing the code for performance, usability and security right from unit level to integration and system level
  • Building dashboards to reflect and quantify Non functional quality index of application

Enhance performance testing of your app by integrating JMeter with pCloudy

Posted on by Yogesh Kumar Gupta

Digital experiences and performance testing are front and center in a modern enterprise’s business strategy. Mobile app performance has a tremendous impact on customer experience today and can directly affect business. With the growing complexity and the size of digital applications it is imperative for enterprises to ensure best performance of their apps.

Here, in this webinar we bring to you an integration of pCloudy with JMeter in order to make it easier for you to ensure awesome customer experience.

Covering the following in this webinar

  • Speed and Beyond
  • A Performance Shift
  • Integration with JMeter
  • Meaningful metrics