Gamification of exploratory testing process

Abstract

Exploratory testing is an experience-based testing technique often used in addition to formal ones. However, it can be used as a replacement for formal techniques when time is limited and/or documentation is poor. Conducting test charters and maximizing efficiency are seen as tough works due to their informal nature. Dividing test load to testers, scoring the severity level, consolidating the results, and reporting the issues are some challenges of this process. In this experience study, efforts of gamifying exploratory testing process are told. A public institution in Turkiye demanded software testing for their software for a limited timeframe and employed testers were motivated by gamification efforts. It was seen that gamification helped us detecting more critical faults quickly. Failure cases such as test contest organization attempts are told as well.