Our reader, Colleen, has posed this query to us, and we are happy to respond. Please feel free to ask additional questions in the comment section below.
Before we delve into the answer, there is a minor secret to reveal – this inquiry is not really about the webpage. It is in line with queries such as “How would you test an alarm clock, toaster, computer mouse, ATM, or a soda can?”
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It’s crucial to realize that your proficiency in using a toaster is not what this question is seeking. It focuses instead on your testing methodology, your dynamic thinking, and decision-making capabilities.
I have encountered various responses to this question:
- I would confirm the right and left click functions.
- I would inspect the movement of the clock hands and adjust them.
- I would ensure that the mouse is connected to power, and so forth.
Although these replies are not incorrect, they lack comprehensiveness and effectiveness. So, ponder over your potential testing approach.
Breaking it down, I frequently mention in my QA class that there are three phases to testing:
- Phase 1: Comprehend the expected behavior or requirements.
- Phase 2: Based on the requirements, ascertain what needs testing.
- Phase 3: State or pinpoint the precise steps to conduct the test.
Under normal circumstances, we would devise, document, and conduct our tests. However, when confronted with an object requiring immediate testing in real life, the process becomes more spontaneous and might not necessitate documentation.
Applying this method to the question of testing an alarm, I would initially familiarize myself with the alarm clock and understand the options available, such as setting the time, the alarm duration, the snooze function and duration, whether multiple alarms can be set, the implications of setting a past time, and the ability to alter the alarm tone. Having gathered this data, I will then have my requirements.
Certain requirements might represent a single testing condition. For instance, testing that the alarm functions at the set time could be achieved by setting the time and verifying if the alarm activates.
Some requirements might lead to multiple testing conditions. For example, testing that different tunes can be set would involve testing multiple alarm times with the same tune and other alarm times with varied tunes.
A single requirement might therefore yield numerous testing conditions – the identification of these conditions encompasses Phase 2. Following that, I would establish the precise steps to perform each test, taking into account considerations like which button to press to set the alarm, how long to wait, and so on.
Ultimately, I would ensure the alarm had power before starting the testing process following the steps outlined in Phase 3.
Although this response seems lengthy, it takes only about 60-70 seconds to convey verbally (Yes, I timed it!). However, if you need to structure your ideas more coherently, you could list some points on paper for clearer direction.
Note: Please indicate in the comments if this response makes sense to you, or if you would have responded differently.
Now, let’s address the main question – “How do we examine a web page abundant in media?”
Media can encompass images, flash files, audio or video files, widgets or icons for social media, dynamic elements like scrolling content (e.g., stock prices), and various links.
Most media-heavy web pages should satisfy the following conditions:
- Performance
- Efficiency
- Usability
- Cross Browser Compatibility
- Visual appeal
Here are some vital factors to regard when reviewing media-rich pages:
1. All details should be promptly identifiable. This relies on effective page organization and design, promoting easy navigation.
2. The page should maintain consistent operation across the most widely used browsing platforms.
3. The page should execute its intended features effectively. If it’s a video-sharing platform like YouTube, users should be able to view videos, comment on them, etc., in a satisfactory manner. The purpose of the page should be fulfilled.
4. Theloading of diverse elements on the page should not result in delays or gaps, causing the page to seem unfinished. Performance should be acceptable, and the page should not overtax the user’s system resources.
5. The page should be user-friendly and mindful of user preferences. If background music is included, for example, allow users the option to mute or disable it as some may find it distracting.
6. All links and images on the page should be operational and without error.
7. Any dynamic elements should autoupdate, eliminating the need for the user to manually refresh the page.
8. The page layout should be neat, uncluttered and visually pleasing to users.
These points should be considered when formulating test scenarios or test cases for media-heavy web pages. Based on these hints, you can likely conceive numerous other scenarios. Furthermore, we have not covered mobile testing, performance testing, load testing, and security testing methods – a huge opportunity exists here.
For further guidance on web testing, consider the following articles:
- Comprehensive Web Testing Guide
- Sample Test Cases for Web Testing
- Articles on Web Application Security Testing
- 180+ Example Test Cases for Testing Web Apps
About the Writer: Our gratitude goes to Swati S., a STH team member, who provided an answer to this crucial and often asked software testing interview question related to web page testing.
Thanks also go to Colleen for the question submission.
As per usual, did I overlook anything? How would you respond to this question in an interview? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.