By definition, software quality assurance is a highly analytical discipline. As you test and debug different products, you rely more on the left hemisphere of your brain – the side that handles logic. If there were a color associated with this analytical approach, it would probably be a neutral gray – devoid of any emotional [...]
When it comes to SEO and network security, the term “black hat” has very negative – often illegal – connotations. But in managerial circles, wearing the Black Hat can be a good thing. Not just good. Done correctly, Black Hat thinking can play an invaluable role in business success. According to Edward de Bono’s 1985 [...]
Of course software testing can become emotional. Who among us hasn't gotten frustrated by a particularly stubborn fix – or felt the elation of finally finishing a difficult project? However, these experiences are usually unpredictable. We become overwhelmed and caught off guard by our emotions. But according to Edward de Bono, there are times when [...]
In last month's article, we explored an innovative approach to project management – one in which teams could improve their chances of success by adopting 6 complementary "lateral thinking" styles throughout the development process. The concept was first introduced by Edward de Bono in his 1985 landmark book, Six Thinking Hats. And in the [...]
In 1985, Edward Charles Francis Publius de Bono (yes – his real name) introduced a lateral thinking concept in his landmark book, Six Thinking Hats. According to this new philosophy, it is possible to fuse the best components of many different cognitive styles to achieve optimal results in project management. These 6 color-coded Hats include: [...]
What do structural engineers, fact-checkers, and anesthesiologists have in common? According to researcher and author, David Zweig: When people in these professions underperform, the consequences are catastrophic When they do their jobs perfectly, these professionals remain invisible In his new book, Invisibles: The Power of Anonymous Work in an Age of Relentless Self-Promotion, Zweig defines [...]
As software testers, we routinely make educated “guesses” about: What bugs exist Why they occur How to fix them This type of work adds tremendous value to the software development cycle. But there exists another strain of guesswork – one that adds zero value. In fact, it often results in excessive lag times and escalating [...]
15 years ago, software testing was almost the exclusive domain of desktops and laptops. Now, it has become an umbrella term that applies to a range of platforms from PCs and browsers to smartphones, tablets, and even wearable technology. Despite this proliferation of new devices and interfaces, are the fundamental building blocks of software testing [...]
Several months ago, we published an article about choosing software testing methodologies. Which approach yields the best results (i.e. the most critical defects, the highest quality reports, the most critical fixes that require the greatest attention, a faster cycle, etc.)? The article received quite a lot of attention. And one reader followed up with a [...]
Software testing is a serious profession that becomes more demanding and more important every day. But many within the field don't regard their own contributions with the respect they deserve. They view themselves as support staff and fact-checkers who needn’t bother investing in the requisite resources for continued growth. Ironically, many of these same individuals [...]
