Bug Blog

User experience is the make or break point of any application. Ultimately, it is the user who determines the quality of an application. This is why testers try to make testing scenarios as realistic as possible and to address mistakes that users might make and how users might approach the application. It’s a matter of getting into the user’s head and the best way to do that is to be the user, at least in spirit.

Mobile shopping continues to grow and will soon reach over 200 billion dollars a year in sales. Smartphones are becoming incredibly popular and the majority of smartphone users prefer mobile apps to using mobile ecommerce websites. So, mobile ecommerce apps have become important business tools. However, there are certain usability targets that must be reached if any ecommerce application is to be truly successful.

One of the biggest problems in dealing with business intelligence is that different departments within a business require different analytics. There was a time, back when hard disks were almost two meters across and came in stacks, that business intelligence was a matter of what you see is what you get. Not any more, IT has changed everything.

It is nearly impossible to run a modern business without at least some software. Having the correct applications will help you with everything from analyzing sales figures to managing income and deploying resources. The problem is, selecting the wrong software can lead to administrative headaches and unnecessary expense. It may even lead to legal liability. So, knowing what software you need in advance is an important part of building a successful business.

Self driving cars are already here and self sailing ships aren’t far behind. In reality, they won’t be completely pilotless any time in the foreseeable future. However, the technology for remotely piloted semi-autonomous ships that can make many of their own decisions already exists. It’s just a matter of putting the pieces together.

It’s obvious that the easier eCommerce websites are to use, the more sales they will make. But what is easy to use? Actually, it’s quite simple. When it comes to eCommerce websites, ease of use simply means that anyone who views the site can comprehend it and use it with only a second or two of learning curve. That quick comprehension is the key to increased conversions. Here are some recommendations that can improve customer comprehension and thereby increase conversions.

When designing for the mobile experience it is important to remember that we human beings aren't really good at focusing our attention. We are generally better at scanning our environment because that was how our ancestors survived and kept out of reach of tigers. Mobile devices such as iPhones and tablets are actually a bit harder to use because smaller screens require greater focus, which can actually shorten attention span. Yet, Google's latest study indicates that use of mobile platforms is on the rise, do to the need for quick and convenient interface. Here are seven ways you can improve your visitors mobile user experience.

User acceptance testing is vital because, ultimately, the quality of any software is determined by the user. This is why it is important to develop realistic and useful test cases. These cases should be based on both careful interviews with users of the system and monitoring of the environment in which the application will be used.

Mobile customers appreciate a smooth retail experience. They are more likely to revisit and re-shop at sites that offer a stress free interface. Google has done considerable mobile consumer research and here are some of the important elements they have discovered. These elements make for a smooth mobile shopping experience.

Ideally, UAT testing should provide the opportunity to uncover any remaining bugs, and to test usability directly in the operational environment. These tests should generate a confident certainty that the software will function as designed when it goes live. However, this isn't always the case.

User testing has evolved over the years. The earliest seed of UX testing was planted by Frederick Taylor with the 1911 publication of his landmark Principles of Scientific Management.

The importance of user testing cannot be overestimated. Ultimately, it is the end user who will determine the quality of an application or the usability of a website, and opinions are critical in this age of rapid and unfettered mass communication. A poor user interface may lead to complaints that go viral and a poorly designed website reflects badly on the organisation it represents.