3 Tips to Building a Successful Mobile Test Strategy

Creating an effective mobile test strategy complete with thorough quality assurance is an often overlooked but nevertheless crucial component of the software testing lifecycle. When it comes to application quality, end users require perfection from the get-go. Slow turnaround times, inconsistencies, and bugs will not be tolerated, and end users will give up on your platform without a second thought if it fails to live up to expectations.

Luckily, there are several key steps to take to ensure your mobile test strategy is up to par to alleviate such risk. In this blog, we will explore three strategies for building a successful and efficient mobile test strategy to eliminate errors and optimize your success in the marketplace.

Use Real and Virtual Devices for Mobile Testing

Testing mobile apps on both real and virtual devices is not only feasible but highly valuable in the right context. By testing on both real and virtual devices, developers gain immediate and continuous feedback while users and organizations enjoy faster and more robust applications at a lower price point.

Many testers are familiar with the testing pyramid, which groups tests into three categories to ensure quality and eliminate bugs. In the lower section of the pyramid, tests are faster and more automated while at the top of the pyramid they are fewer and more manual. While there will always be a need for manual tests towards the end of the development lifecycle, incorporating virtual devices into your mobile testing process earlier on will allow you to shift left faster.

Testing on virtual devices allows dev teams to pinpoint issues much earlier in the development lifecycle, while testing on real devices remains a crucial component to a successful mobile test strategy. When combined,  testing on emulators, simulators, and real devices offers a winning combination of speed, efficiency, and quality.

Choose Which Devices/OSs/Browsers to Test On

When developing your mobile test strategy, keep in mind that each app must be tested to offer seamless performance on an ever-increasing number of disparate devices. From Android to iOS and more, developers must be mindful of different operating systems and trends associated with each device, as well as test for both web-based and mobile usage.

Perfecto’s annual Test Coverage Guide offers an in-depth blueprint for testing on a wide range of available devices and operating systems on both web browsers and mobile platforms. The guide will allow you to make strategic decisions about your test coverage based on your unique set of users, their location, device trends, and your own comfort level when it comes to risk.

Along with regular updates, dev teams should always stay abreast of changes to security policies, data collection procedures, and storage capabilities. For instance, Google’s latest privacy policy update will require dev teams and testers to adhere to stricter privacy constraints and only collect user data when justified, as dictated by the policy.

Incorporate Beta Testing into Your Mobile Test Strategy

Perhaps the best way to ensure your application will be well-received is to beta test it prior to release. Incorporating beta testing into your mobile test strategy early on in development allows you to shift left as needed. Furthermore, beta testing is an effective tool for testing new versions of your app prior to general release to ensure quality.

When searching for beta testers, consider the following:

• Utilize beta testers who have been loyal to your app in the past when testing new versions or, if releasing an entirely new app, look for beta testers who have engaged with other apps from your organization or have left feedback to similar apps online. These users will often be the most engaged and provide honest feedback.
• If you do not have a group of dedicated beta testers already on hand, you can garner beta testers through a limited launch campaign in which you release the app to a particular region. Be clear in the release process that this is a beta version of the app.
• Finally, when working with beta testers, be sure to set up the beta version of the app with proper diagnostics tools and consider designating specific areas of the app for different testers to focus on if applicable.  

All in all, beta testing is a highly valuable component of a successful mobile test strategy that should not be overlooked.

Bottom Line

Adopting these key steps for an optimized mobile test strategy ensures that apps function as designed without interruption or delay. Testing on real and virtual devices, testing across all operating systems and platforms, and utilizing beta testing are strategies that, when combined, form a mobile test strategy that assures application quality and success. With Perfecto, dev teams and testers can release high-quality apps with ease, without leaving room for unnecessary errors.

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