Exploratory Testing Footprint Map for GUI Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Collaborative exploratory testing of software applications with graphical user interfaces often results in significant duplication of effort among multiple testers, reducing the efficiency and cost benefits of this testing method due to the lack of structured scenarios and recorded interactions.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for monitoring exploratory testing by recording interactions of multiple testers with a graphical user interface, storing these interactions in a database, and creating an interaction footprint map to visualize which parts of the GUI have been accessed, thereby reducing duplication and enhancing testing coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If exploratory testing is performed without predefined scenarios by multiple testers, then testing creativity and coverage are improved, but duplication of testing efforts increases and manageability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting creativityVSAvoidtesting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements real-time feedback by monitoring tester interactions with the GUI and dynamically updating the interaction footprint map. This allows testers to immediately see which areas have been explored by themselves and other testers, enabling them to adjust their testing strategy on the fly and avoid duplicating efforts while maintaining exploratory creativity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The interaction footprint map serves multiple functions simultaneously: it tracks testing coverage, identifies duplication, guides tester behavior, and provides documentation. This single mechanism addresses multiple testing management needs without constraining the exploratory nature of the testing approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If exploratory testing is performed without predefined scenarios, then testing cost is reduced, but testing coverage completeness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting costVSAvoidtesting coverage completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary monitoring and tracking of all tester interactions with the GUI throughout the testing process. By continuously collecting and analyzing interaction data in real-time, the system ensures comprehensive coverage is achieved without requiring predefined test scenarios, thus maintaining cost-effectiveness while improving coverage completeness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual test planning and documentation with an automated electronic monitoring system that tracks interactions programmatically. This substitution eliminates the need for time-consuming manual tracking while providing more precise and comprehensive coverage data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Speed

If multiple testers perform exploratory testing simultaneously, then testing speed is improved, but duplication of testing efforts increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting speedVSAvoidduplicated testing time

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The real-time feedback mechanism continuously updates the interaction footprint map as testers interact with the GUI, providing immediate visibility into which areas have been explored. This enables testers to quickly redirect their efforts to unexplored areas, minimizing duplication and maximizing the efficiency of parallel testing efforts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The interaction footprint map acts as an intermediary between multiple testers, coordinating their activities without requiring direct communication or predefined task allocation. It mediates the testing process by providing a shared view of testing progress, enabling parallel work while avoiding duplication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8555253B2System and method for monitoring exploratory testing by a plurality of testers

Publication Date: 2013.10.08 MICRO FOCUS LLC

AI summary

A system and method for monitoring exploratory testing by a plurality of testers of software containing a graphical user interface is disclosed. The method includes recording interactions of each of the plurality of testers with a graphical user interface (GUI) under test. The recorded interactions of each tester can be stored in an interaction database. An interaction footprint map is created from the interaction database to show which portions of the GUI under test have had interaction with at least one of the testers. The interaction footprint map is displayed in relation to the GUI for at least one end user.