9 step mobile app testing strategy checklist

The goal of any mobile product is to create an app experience that’s innovative and new. But there are specific, necessary steps you must accomplish between crafting a clear vision for your app and creating a mobile application.

Your 9 Step Mobile App Testing Strategy Checklist

Step 1: Cross-platform testing

Engineering teams must often ensure a seamless app-driven experience for mobile, web, and desktop users across multiple platforms like Google Android and Apple iOS. This requires an efficient testing strategy to save time and maintain reasonable testing costs.

Step 2: Feature functionality

Mobile apps usually interact with a number of features – both built into devices and built into the app. These interactions should be noted and thoroughly tested.

Step 3: Type of application

There are three main types of mobile apps: native, mobile-web, and hybrid.

  • Mobile-web: The website opens in the device through a web browser.
  • Native: The application is developed specifically for individual platforms.
  • Hybrid: A mix between native and mobile-web applications.

Step 4: Front-end testing

Front-end testing checks anything that is visible client-side also known as Graphical User Interface (GUI).

Testers need a solid grasp of business goals to perform this type of testing.

Other things to check for in front-end testing include:

  • Regression tests
  • Performance checks
  • Changes or updates to app files that might break front-end functionality

Step 5: Back-end testing

Back-end – or database testing – checks the server-side of your mobile app. Anything that is entered and/or stored in the front-end is tested in the back-end.

Step 6: Multiple network compatibility

The ever-growing popularity of smartphones and IoT devices has led to an explosion of different brands and platforms. While it’s impossible to perform every test on all possible devices, mobile compatibility testing is indispensable.  

This process should include tests such as:

  • Install and uninstall
  • Functionality
  • Traversal
  • Data exchange
  • UI

Be sure to test different versions of the same major hardware platforms including iOS and Android.

Step 7: Storage

Today’s mobile devices don’t have enough storage for the vast amounts of games, music streaming services, and hi-res photos competing for space.

Step 8: Data to and from

As such, you should create tests that actually represent network conditions, specific devices, and geographic locations in order to accurately represent real users.

Step 9: Application flow

Good design brings together visual elements as well as content, features, and functionality. This visual flow helps guide users through your mobile product.

Testing the flow of your mobile app architecture is necessary in order to find elements of your design that would impede users from completing their desired tasks.

Teamwork makes the dream work

Regardless of where you are in the testing or planning phase, it’s imperative you communicate with your team. This includes their roles throughout the test phase as well as your expectations.

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