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Beta testing and Beta testers – how they are used in software development
In this article, you’ll explore the field of beta testing, learn its purpose and impact on software development. You’ll also learn how to become a beta tester.
What is Beta testing?
Beta testing represents a key stage in the life of software. This is the stage where your product emerges from the safety of the development environment and enters the real world. Before that, however, you need to make sure that it will be able to meet the real challenges and needs of these real users. This experience provides indispensable feedback on functionality, usability, performance and the overall impression the software leaves. Beta testing is essential to uncover bugs and issues that may not show up in the lab conditions of alpha testing. Your success in this phase can have a direct impact on how your software is viewed in the marketplace and whether it can meet your customers’ expectations and needs.
If the user doesn’t know how to use the software, it doesn’t work. (Susan Dray)
Beta testing process
Beta testing phase:
1. PLANNING AND PREPARATION
Defining the goals we want to achieve with beta testing, creating a stable testing environment.
2. SELECTION OF TESTERS
Identifying and selecting appropriate testers who represent the target users of the product.
3. COLLECTION AND PROCESSING OF FEEDBACK
Tracking testers while using the product and collecting feedback.
4. ANALYSIS AND IMPLEMENTATION OF CHANGES
Evaluating feedback, identifying areas for improving functionality, usability, fixing bugs.
5. CONCLUSION AND DOCUMENTATION
Success assessment, decision on market introduction, documentation.
Why is beta testing important?
As you may already be aware, beta testing is an essential part of the software development process. But what is its importance?
Identification of errors and problems
Although developers and alpha testers can detect many bugs, some problems often only become apparent in the real world. Beta testing allows such bugs to be discovered before the product is released.
Getting feedback from real users
Beta testers are often real users of the software who can provide valuable insights into how the software is perceived and used in the real world.
Testing in different environments
Different beta testers may have different hardware and software configurations, allowing the application to be tested in a wide range of environments.
Improving the user experience
Feedback from beta testers can help identify usability and user interface issues, which can lead to improvements that increase overall user satisfaction.
Reducing risks and costs
Identifying and fixing bugs during beta testing can be cheaper than addressing them after the product is launched. This reduces the risk of negative reviews and loss of user trust.
Increasing trust in the product
Beta testing can also help build a community around the product, which can be useful for marketing and promoting the product after launch.
Beta testing vs alpha testing
Alpha and beta testing are two critical phases in the software development lifecycle, with the main difference being who does the testing. Alpha testing is performed by an internal team, often in a controlled environment, and focuses on uncovering basic bugs and technical issues in the software. A team consisting of developers and testers systematically reviews the functionality of the product to make sure it is stable and secure. Beta testing, on the other hand, opens up to real users who test the software in their natural environment. This provides valuable real-world data on user experience, compatibility with different systems, and uncovers potential bugs not picked up by alpha testing. Beta testing is invaluable for getting authentic feedback from end users, which is crucial for a successful product launch.
Alpha Testing
- WHAT IS THE GOAL?
Cover test scenarios and ensure that the application works as expected.
- WHO ARE THE TESTERS?
The internal team, and potentially the end customer.
- WHAT IS THE STRUCTURE?
The carefully structured results are systematically recorded and analysed.
- WHAT TECHNIQUES?
- White box – testers know the background of the processes and components they are testing.
- Black box
Beta testing
- WHAT IS THE GOAL?
Understand how real users interact with the application and test how the software works in real-world conditions.
- WHO ARE THE TESTERS?
External users, representing end users.
- WHAT IS THE STRUCTURE?
Loose structure. Users have a free hand in use, feedback is important.
- WHAT TECHNIQUES?
- Black box – testers perceive the application from the end user’s perspective without a detailed look into the functioning.
Beta testing vs. user acceptance testing (UAT)
Beta testing and User Acceptance Testing (UAT) are two distinct but equally important phases in the software development process that have different goals and approaches.
Beta Testing:
- A broader view of the user experience: Beta testing is conducted to provide a broader view of the overall user experience. This phase of testing allows real users to use the software in its natural environment, providing a unique opportunity to identify bugs, usability issues, and other limitations that might be overlooked during internal testing processes.
- Collecting broad feedback: beta testing allows for the collection of broad feedback from a diverse group of users, including evaluation of the stability, performance and compatibility of the software. This testing is also important for assessing how well the software will meet the expectations and needs of end users.
User Acceptance Testing (UAT):
- Focus on business requirements: unlike beta testing, UAT strictly focuses on whether the software meets specific business requirements and expectations. This testing is usually performed by users who are directly involved in the software project, such as end-user representatives or business analysts.
- Verification of specifications and functionality: the UAT focuses on verifying that all specified functions and processes work as expected and that the results are in line with business objectives. This process is key to ensuring that the software is ready for deployment and use in a real business environment.
These two phases of testing are complementary, each providing unique perspectives and information that are essential to the successful deployment of high quality and effective software.
Who is a Beta Tester?
- It’s a real user: the beta tester is not a member of the development team. It is a real user of the product who tests it in a real environment, ensuring authenticity and relevance of the feedback.
- They have diverse backgrounds: beta testers come from all walks of life. They may be students, working professionals or retirees. The key is that they represent the target group of the product and bring diverse perspectives.
- He is curious : A beta tester must be naturally curious and able to think critically. His role is to identify bugs and provide constructive feedback.
- He’s thorough and patient: testing can be time-consuming and requires repetition of certain tasks. Patience and thoroughness in testing each part of the product is important.
- He has developed communication skills: the Beta tester should be able to clearly and effectively communicate his/her insights and suggestions for improvement.
Your Role As a Beta Tester
Your role as a beta tester focuses on a few key areas:
- Functionality testing: test how well the product works and whether it fulfils its purpose.
- Identifying bugs: you’re looking for errors and issues that can affect the user experience.
- User experience rating: you provide feedback on how intuitive and easy to use the product is.
- Suggesting improvements: you can suggest changes or improvements that would improve the product.
How to become a beta tester?
- Focus on your areas of interest: consider what area you would like to test products in. It could be software, video games, mobile apps or even hardware. Choose the area that interests you most and in which you have experience or knowledge.
- Create a profile: create a strong online profile highlighting your technical skills, testing experience and areas of interest. This can include social media, professional networks like LinkedIn, or platforms specifically for testing.
- Join beta testing online communities and forums: there are many online communities and forums where you can learn about beta testing opportunities. Forums such as Reddit, Discord feeds, and special groups on social media can be helpful.
- Sign up for beta testing platforms: there are websites and platforms focused on beta testing where you can sign up and stay informed about new opportunities. Examples include BetaTesting, UserTesting, Testbirds and more.
- Actively look for opportunities: many companies post beta testing opportunities on their website or social media. Follow companies and products that interest you and be prepared to respond quickly to calls for testing.
“Beta tests can be either open or closed. In the case of open tests, anyone can use the product and usually users are informed that it is a beta and have the opportunity to send feedback. Closed beta tests are limited to a specific group of testers, which may be existing customers, news enthusiasts and/or paid beta testers.”
- Join public beta programs: some companies, like Apple or Google, offer public beta programs for their products(android beta testing). You can join these programs and get access to new versions of the software before they are officially released.
Conclusion
Beta testing is an opportunity for real users to get involved in the development and improvement of the software. As a tester, your commitment and ability to provide valuable feedback can have a significant impact on the quality of the products you use every day.
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