What are the most common mistakes when testing a new feature?

2 Not designing test cases

Another common mistake is to test a new feature without designing test cases, which are the specific scenarios and steps that verify the functionality and quality of the feature. Test cases help testers to cover all the possible use cases, inputs, outputs, and edge cases of the feature, as well as to measure the results against the predefined criteria and standards. Test cases also help testers to document and report the test results, as well as to reuse and automate the tests in the future. To design test cases, testers should use tools and techniques such as test case templates, checklists, matrices, and diagrams.

3 Not prioritizing test cases

Even with well-designed test cases, testers may still face the challenge of managing their time and resources effectively, especially when testing a complex or large feature. Therefore, it is important to prioritize test cases based on their importance, urgency, and impact on the product and the users. Prioritizing test cases helps testers to focus on the most critical and valuable aspects of the feature, as well as to allocate the appropriate resources and tools for each test case. To prioritize test cases, testers should use methods such as risk-based testing, value-based testing, and MoSCoW analysis.

4 Not testing in different environments

Another mistake that testers often make is to test a new feature only in one environment, such as their own local machine or a specific browser or device. However, this can lead to false positives or negatives, as the feature may behave differently in other environments where the users or the product operate. For example, the feature may encounter compatibility issues, performance issues, or security issues in different browsers, devices, platforms, or networks. To avoid this mistake, testers should test the feature in various environments that reflect the real-world conditions and scenarios of the product and the users.

5 Not involving users

One of the main goals of testing a new feature is to ensure that it meets the needs and expectations of the users, as well as to collect feedback and suggestions from them. However, some testers may neglect or delay involving users in the testing process, either because they assume that they know what the users want or because they fear negative reactions or criticisms. This can result in a feature that is not user-friendly, intuitive, or satisfying, or that has usability issues, bugs, or errors that affect the user experience. To avoid this mistake, testers should involve users in the testing process as early and as often as possible, using methods such as user acceptance testing, beta testing, or usability testing.

6 Not learning from mistakes

The last common mistake that testers make is to not learn from their mistakes, which means that they do not analyze, document, or improve their testing process based on the results and feedback of the testing. This can lead to repeating the same mistakes, missing the same issues, or wasting the same resources in the future. To avoid this mistake, testers should learn from their mistakes by conducting root cause analysis, lessons learned sessions, or retrospectives, as well as by updating their test cases, test plans, test strategies, or test tools based on the findings and recommendations.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?