How to beta test like a pro

Software

Free

What is beta testing?

Why do companies do it?

What bugs cost (Per NIST)

DetectedRequire-ments

Archi-tecture

System test

Post-release

Introduced

Requirements 1× 3× 10× 10–100×

Architecture – 1× 15× 25–100×

Construction – – 10× 10–25×

Beta testing

What’s the payoff?

1. Saves time, money, effort2. Real customer feedback3. Develops community of

committed fans

Company

1. Free stuff2. Early access3. Learning4. Brownie points5. (once in a while…) Money

You…

What are the risks?

Never beta test on a production machine!

1. Software crashes2. Lost data3. Lost time

How do I get involved?

Have a favorite game, tool, or program?

•Get involved in the forum/community•Answer questions•Learn the game/program•Watch for opportunities•Sign up•Participate!!

Finding Betas

Part 1:Know a developer?Let them know you want to beta test!

Part 2:Program specific sites

•http://fluviusmedia.com/•http://connect.microsoft.com/•https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/playtest/default.aspx•https://www.facebook.com/notes/facebook-engineering/introducing-the-facebook-for-android-beta-testing-program/10151529228878920

Part 3:Sites listing opportunities

•http://www.betabound.com/•https://www.usertesting.com/be-a-user-tester •https://betafamily.com/tests•http://www.testerseeker.com/View%20Posts.aspx•http://www.alphabetagamer.com/category/indie/•https://playground.testfairy.com/

What is involved?

NDA…

•Some beta programs require an NDA•Read it before you sign up•Note whether you can talk about the program•Note what they require

Beta test process

•Play the game/run the software normally•Try things others won’t•Notice things that aren’t right•Report problems•Answer questions/take surveys

Bug reports…The good, the bad, and the pretty

Reporting a bug

•Title•What you did•What happened•What you expected to happen•Screenshots/screen recordings

Sample bug reports(if we have time)