Website testing is an essential part of web design. Website tests are done to measure the precision, comprehensiveness and value of a website and in order to identify and fix errors before launching the website to the customers.
Before testing the website, the web developers conduct an error test to certify that preliminary design of the website is accurate and meets the initial functionality specifications of the client. The designer is responsible for applying the proper design guidelines (particularly use of HTML and CSS) that guarantee compatibility and user-friendliness of the website and meets the regulatory standards set by relevant authorities.
During the website testing stage, the team deploys test experts who conduct detailed tests using a functional prototype of a genuine e-Commerce website. The tests conducted measures both the website’s commercial usefulness and end user compatibility to establish how the website would appeal to the customer in terms of usability. A website test is also crucial in the initial web development cycle so as to review and implement the necessary modifications that might be unrealistic to apply in the closing phase of website development.
To facilitate the series of predefined test cases required during a website test, the testing experts develop ‘Website Test Plan’ document that clearly outlines and explains the testing phases, testing standards and prospective test outcomes to the users.
Test phases:
The website user interface must be user friendly in order to meet the business needs of the organization. A complex user interface and website is unappealing to internet users and will not attract a lot of traffic. However, a clean and easily navigable user interface is easy to use. A usability test is a very useful means of assessing the efficacy and simplicity of use of business websites. Thus, test experts should invest adequate time and resources in examining the website for these elements since they have a crucial impact on the performance of a business on the internet and directly translate to poor or superior website rating.
The user preferences and methods associated with information comprehension vary greatly among internet users. In the website management phase, the web developer must pay attention to the interests of every targeted user group, since user preferences vary in terms of font sizes depending on the age group. A user should be able to zoom in an out while navigating a website without degrading the information displayed on a webpage. This allows people who visit the website to capture more content while maintaining their preference.
A functionality test is a technical analysis procedure aimed at identifying possible potential nominal errors that an internet user might encounter on a website. A detailed functional test is critical because it helps the website testing professional to reveal any hidden technicalities which may hamper the functional quality of the website quality and unconstructively influence the user navigation experience. A functionality test is tailored to assess the capability of the website to execute oriented tasks according client specifications.
