Lessons that every Software Tester should learn from Kids

 

Whenever I spend time with Dhruv (my son), I feel like; I am getting an opportunity to reinvent myself as a Software Tester. I reckon; below are some of the lessons that every Software Tester should learn from kids.

How to explore a Product and develop Systems Thinking?

Kids have very good observation skills. Most of the times we don't need to tell them how to use the stuff or play with the toys, just hand it over to them and they will have a dignified way to use it or play with it.

Same way Software Tester's should have good observation skills and should learn to develop Systems Thinking (a mindset or perspective for understanding the application behaviour and its workflows).

 

How to ask questions?

I reckon; it’s really a tough job to answer a kid’s question. They are very curious about every single thing that they see or hear about. We are just clueless about the sources from which their questions are getting propagated. Most of the times we end up in a situation where we don't have an answer and we need to start finding a one which can accomplish their curiosity. People who have experienced this will understand it very well. :)

Software Testers should also learn to ask questions. No question is a silly question (as long it is asked in the right context). I believe; questions are the easiest and best way to gain deeper insight and understanding of the product or system.

 

How to Break a Product?

No matter what, kids will always find a way to break the things. Destroying and breaking the stuff is like a fun game for them. Most of the times they break the stuff intentionally and later on observe it.

Software Testers should also learn to test Software’s for unexpected results (Negative Testing) in addition to the expected results (Positive Testing). Testing for unexpected results helps to improve the Software Quality and find its weak points.

How to Love your Product?

In Spite of having all the toys with them; if just one of the Toys is missing they will keep crying until they have the missing one with them. Kids love their toys and stuff very much.

Software Testers should also learn to love their Product and take the ownership of it, they should always ensure that none of the Product feature is missing. Of course; Testers don’t need to cry if any of the Software feature is missing or not working. :) However, they should make sure that all the essential actions are taken to have it in place.