9 Mobile Testing Trends of 2016

In the pockets of the majority of the adult population is a device that has been gaining developmental momentum since its birth: the mobile phone.

Organizations of all sizes are utilizing mobile technology to reach consumers through mobile applications. These applications are meant to enhance customer experience, provide entertainment, eliminate barriers to purchases and sales, provide a data capturing tool, and attempt to fuel the next big thing.

When organizations produce mobile applications, they need to consider modern practices that guarantee it functions appropriately and securely. Personalization, neat design, and compatibility with multiple devices are all a crucial focus; but what about problems that can arise and make or break a mobile application? It’s easy to focus on the end result of a beautiful app, but along the way if there is a lack of proper testing, bugs can cripple the user experience.

We’ve found that when it comes to mobile application testing there is a focus on performance, functionality, user experience, security, and overall mobile cooperation.

Here are the top 9 mobile testing trends to date to give you a head start on your comprehensive mobile testing strategy.

1. Marketing Research and Target Audience
   Knowing the desires and needs of your target audience requires loads of big data analysis and research. Being a relatively new industry with just a few years of information to look back upon, an organization will benefit from testing desirability, usability, and ultimately the target audience of their mobile application.

2. Strategic Process
   To create an app for everyone, there needs to be a strategic process for production, focusing on the most important aspects to the end user. The planning process should begin with necessary application functions, including security, followed by performance, speed, compatibility, and usability.

3. 3. Automated Testing

Testing your mobile application can be a lengthy and complex process. Without the aid of automation during testing, time, resources, and money might be wasted on a manual testing process that doesn’t come close to the accuracy or convenience of automation. Automation is a must for mobile applications because of the different types of testing necessary for different software, code, and devices.

Learn more about testing automation.

4. 4. Increased Security

The mobile devices we carry contain a lot of valuable information as they become more tightly integrated with our lives. As mentioned above, security is the most important function in a mobile app (and in pretty much any technology product today). The popularity and availability of mobile devices make it a prime target for hacking and security exploits.

Tests to ensure security in 2016 and beyond are absolutely necessary if you want your customers’ data protected. Security testing for mobile applications can be one of the most important roles in the testing process.

5. 5. Devices & Platforms

Smartphone, tablets, watches and other portable devices are some of the most often used to download and purchase mobile applications, however, an app may need to be developed for desktops and mobile alike. Testing to ensure equal access, security, and functionality can provide a company with credible, reliable and useful apps. An application is a serious investment that should avoid alienating users of one platform or another, and also maintain consistency.

6. The Internet of Things
   The future of devices, and the applications made for them, lies in the growing concept of the Internet of Things, (IoT). New devices and products that rely on the Internet are growing and becoming more essential to everyday life. A mobile application is something that will need to adapt and mature for new Internet-supporting devices like appliances, household items, and even cars. And guess what? Devices like smart appliances, TVs, cars, etc. already exist.

7. 7. Follow-Up and Research

Initial research to observe the consumer outlook of an application is necessary, as mentioned in the previous trends, however, follow-up research and testing is just as important. After initial testing, trials and production, an app will be sent out into the field. It is then that all aspects of applications’ functions will need to be monitored to ensure satisfaction, security, performance, and functionality/usability.

8. 8. Roadblocks and Common Issues

Major issues in the testing process mostly arise from a lack of a well-documented and thorough testing procedure. Whether it is from a lack of expertise or knowledge, lack of testing devices, or a lack of the proper tools, staff or time, the issues with testing any mobile application seems to be an absence of it.

9. Outsourced Solutions
   Because many businesses that wish to market a mobile application do not contain their own testing department, many are choosing to outsource testing projects to companies that specialize in Quality Assurance (QA). This trend saves time and closes the gap that might allow for errors when done internally and without effective expertise. Outsourcing doesn’t have to mean offshoring either, as many companies (like tapQA) provide onshore services that are actually more cost-effective than offshoring.

These trends are followed today because they provide extra vetting in product development, whether it is for a mobile application or another technology product. Following mobile application test trends ultimately benefit the app’s function and user experience, which in turn will benefit your company, product, and bottom-line.

Mobile applications are all about convenience, ease of use, intelligent aids, and helpful tools to reach your consumers’ objectives with the least amount of time and effort. Testing for all of these functions is the only way to ensure a successful and productive mobile application.

To learn more about smart testing and strategy, contact tapQA today.