Mind Mapping in Software Testing – Ways to Make Testing More Fun!

Undeniably, visual aids have proven to be powerful learning tools. It has been repeatedly shown that people are better able to remember things learned through creative visual aids than through traditional learning methods.

Ordinarily, people clarify presentations with diagrams involving lines, circles, and squares on blackboards or PowerPoint slides.

But have we contemplated a more creative demonstration? Have we pondered upon making it more lively?

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If not, consider reading the following article to learn how to express your ideas in a uniquely creative way.

What Does Mind Mapping Signify?

A mind map is a visual model of thoughts and concepts. It’s a combination of creativity and logic for advanced note-taking, using symbols, colors, images, words, and lines.

This facilitates the structuring of information, allowing for improved comprehension of requirements, thorough analysis of data and, importantly, making it enjoyable!

Why Do We Need a Mind Map?

Why do we necessitate a Mind Map when myriad traditional methods exist? How does it diverge from concept maps?

• Fosters creativity
• Allows for straightforward execution of ideas in a creative way
• Mind Maps are inherently adaptable and simple to upkeep
• Offers extensive coverage
• Enables consolidation of all data in one location for easy access
• Facilitates straightforward communication for management, free of confusion or misconceptions
• Different visual interpretations can be utilized to enhance appeal

The Application of Mind Maps

Mind Maps aren’t confined to particular challenges or concepts; they can be utilized for illustrating any notion. All it necessitates is an excellent concept and an intuitive grasp of the subject.

• Problem-solving
• Structural depictions
• Team organization
• Material condensation into a concise, effective structure
• Graphical representation of team activities

The Role of Mind Map in Software Testing

Testing is an expansive domain that demands an abundance of creativity and ideas. Each testing phase possesses its own methodologies and terminologies. The employment of Mind Maps in Software Testing is reliant on personal preferences.

It is invariably advised to have a solid comprehension and groundwork of the internal divisions of the testing phase you’re planning to depict. These concepts need to be collated in one place.

Below are some instances that can assist in structuring your thoughts:

Mind Map for Task Management in a Software Project

This pertains to the overall work allocated to you for a particular release. What information should be amassed to outline your ideas?

An elementary and practical exemplar:

1. Start with the name of the release and the year (e.g., ‘Major Release June’12).
2. Gather all assigned requirements (like CRs, SRs, ITRs).
3. Accumulate the numbers of the requirements
4. Amass requirement names and associated program names
5. Gather the charge codes applied for each requirement
6. Names of developers, leads, and managers (useful for contacting the development team in case of issues)
7. Mutatis mutandis, amass information about the testing team to minimize frequent visits to internal websites for detail retrieval
8. Assemble analyst details for requirement elucidation
9. Gather iteration details for requirements such as the start date, end date, and number
10. Amass all links and credentials required for accessing these details

A succinct analysis of this Mind Map:

• The requirement square has a small symbol of a pen and book, indicating that it contains additional notes that can be accessed by hovering over the requirements or viewing them at the bottom.
• Requirement numbers and flags. The red flag denotes vital requirements with iteration number 1.
• Observe the graphical hyperlink connecting ‘Dev team’ and ‘SR12345,’ detailing that the development team has developed that requirement.
• A graphical connection from ‘Tester’ to ‘SR12345,’ indicating those testers are accountable for testing the requirements.
• Note the local hyperlink symbol (green arrow mark) in ‘Links and Credentials’ square, connecting it to ‘Requirements,’ clicking on ‘Links and Credentials’ reroutes you to ‘Requirements’ square.

Mind Mapping for Requirement Traceability Matrix

Traceability is a critical concept in testing. It connects the testing requirements to test cases through the creation of a test traceability matrix, thereby ensuring expansive coverage of the application’s testing functionality.

Mind Maps can assist in establishing traceability between requirements and downstream components such as tests, chores, teams, and milestones.

An elementary instance of a Mind Map employed for requirement traceability is shown below:

This is an example of how I’ve put my requirements together, but user interpretation might differ.

Similarly, Mind Maps can be used in any testing phase. Here are a few more scenarios you can test in your organization:

1. Creating a test case from use cases or requirements
2. General report management
3. Automation test script management
4. Team management
5. Daily or weekly meetings

Guidelines for Mind Map Creation
Tony Buzan (originator of Mind Mapping) suggests a seven-step approach to constructing a successful mind map.

Examples of Mind Mapping in Software Testing

See the following links for additional examples of mind maps used in testing:

1. Example 1 – Mind Map in Test Planning
2. Example 2 – Interactive Mindmap for Software Testing
3. Example 3 – Types of Software Testing Mind Map

Complimentary Mind Mapping Software

The market provides a range of complimentary Mind Mapping tools. Any tool that fits your ideas can be used for Mind Mapping. Here are a few free tools that I’ve used:

1. Free Mind
2. Edraw Mind Map
3. Wise mapping
4. Mind Meister

Also read =>> Learn How to Use Mind Maps through EdrawMind

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About the Contributor: This is a guest article by Nataraj Kanchyani. He works as a Senior Software Engineer-Testing at Centurylink Technologies India Pvt Ltd, Bangalore.

Do you have more ideas on how to employ mind mapping in Software Testing? Feel free to comment and share your experiences in using Mind Mapping tools and techniques.

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