GUI testing: The look test of your software
Before starting with the main subject of the article, first, we need to understand what is the meaning of GUI.
Graphical User Interface
The tech devices we use in our everyday life like Mobile, PC, Tablet, etc. have an element which is common in all the devices but still has a unique touch for each device. It is the things we see on screen. The Homepage of the App you use, your messaging window, Wallpaper, etc. Anything and Everything on the screen. Commonly known as the User Interface. The graphical elements that are seen on screen which enable us to use and indirectly communicate with technology at our hands. It is also called as ‘Graphical User Interface’ i.e. GUI.
GUI Testing
Now, what do we mean when we say GUI testing? In GUI testing, the Interface of the software is tested. It is made sure that it is smooth and seamless in usability. The source code is not visible in this process. The primary playing factors here are the images, Spellings, Design patterns, Alignments, Look and feel and the layout of the UI.
Need for testing GUI
When any user will use your application, the first thing she/he is going to experience is the Interface. It is the first impression and the accessibility provider of the software. If the user experiences any glitch in this first look, he/she will get disappointed by the application. This leads to a decrease in the installation as the market grows on mouth publicity. One bad review and you are done.
To avoid this, GUI testing is necessary. One has to step into the shoes of the user to understand this. The software has to generate interest in the user and therefore has to look fine and give a smooth experience to the user at first glance to keep him/her involved with the app.
UI Test Cases: Factors to be considered
In the GUI testing process, multiple elements are to be considered in the test cases. You don’t want to miss any small element which will cause a minor glitch later while using the app. We made a list for you to check.
- Relative Position, Height,Size, and Width of the itemson the screen
- Display of Error Messages. Their color, font, etc. Generally, Red color is used to indicate Errors
- Readability and Consistencyof the overall application’s text features
- Verifying Zoom-In, Zoom-Out workability, Same screen with varying resolutions like 640 x 480, 600×800, etc.
- Color codes for different texts like Hyperlink, error/warning message, etc.
- Image Quality
- Language specifications like Grammar, Spellings, and Punctuations
- Scrollbars
- Verification of disabled fields
- Image Size
The basic work here is to make the app look good. The appearance and interface of the app should be smooth and sensible. Users should stay on the app on a longterm basis. Good layout and Design sense is required for this to work.Sometimes the tester even needs to think creatively and take decisions to test the UI of the software by using methods other than the defined test case protocol.
Approaches
There are 2 basic testing approaches to GUI testing.
Manual Testing
This is the common method used by the testing community. As stated in the name, here, everything works manually. The tester is supposed to use the app and experience it as a user would. Step by step using all the software to detect bugs and even to make improvements and suggestions in the existing Interface.
For obvious reasons, this method takes time and the authenticity of the testing is purely based on how creative and sharp the tester is. Afterall, it’s a human method.
Automation Testing
As we all know by now, the testing process can’t be fully done manually and neither fully automatically. The balance should be achieved. So, where to automate the process?
The cases which include manual actions other than the look likeData Entry,Navigations, etc. can be automated. TestComplete, Squish, AutoIT, Silk Test are some of the tools used for this. These tools imitate the user experience which can be used multiple times in the testing process by playing again and again. Technical knowledge of scripting is required for these tools to work.
Challenges
The whole process sounds very easy but there are some challenges involved.
- The number of test cases can exceed then your expectations. It consumes more time hence can be exhaustive.
- As far as the quality is concerned, it depends on the tester’s skillset.
- Automation tools available in the market are limited.
- Usually, when the testing process starts, the GUI is unstable and hence the testers prefer to test it later in the process. It can give less time to test the GUI properly.
- It is an overall less prioritized aspect then Functional aspects when it comes to testing.
Conclusion
As we discussed earlier, GUI’s impression on the users should be like love at first sight. It is what is apparent about the software to the users. This appearance should be well tested and designed to be likable and accessible by the mass quantity of the users.
Most of the success and reach of the application depends on the GUI. The tester should think like a user to nail the GUI testing process as it is ultimately being designed and tested for the users. As they say, Consumer is God.
How can VTEST help
Equipped to execute both, Manual and Automated testing in the most efficient ways, VTEST provides the most creative and technically sound testers for testing GUIs.
We understand the need for a GUI to be good and engaging and work tirelessly towards achieving the best test results and even improving the software appearance for our clients’ success. Go through the tips mentioned above and don’t hesitate to contact us for any guidance or collaboration you need in your software’s journey.
VTEST it!
