Hurix DigitalHurix DigitalHurix DigitalHurix Digital
  • Home
  • What we do
    • Digital Content Solutions
      • eLearning & Training Solutions
      • Higher Education Solutions
      • K-12 Content Solutions
      • Design, Animation & Video Services
    • Digital Content Transformation
      • Production Services
      • Pre Press & Editorial Services
      • Quality As A Service
      • Robotic Process Automation
    • Digital Engineering & Technology
      • Learning Technology Services
      • Managed Cloud Services
      • Custom Software Development
      • E-Commerce Solutions
      • Business Analysis as a service
    • Digital Platforms
      • Kitaboo
      • Kitaboo Insight
      • Kitaboo College
      • Learning Management System
  • Who we are
    • About Us
    • Life at Hurix
    • Careers
  • Who We Serve
    • Higher Education Institutions
    • K-12 Institutions
    • Enterprises
    • Publishers
    • Societies & Nonprofit Associations
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Case Studies
    • How To Guides
    • Whitepapers
    • Point Of View
    • Awards
    • Press Releases
    • Podcast
  • Contact Us
    Home Quality Assurance Challenges In UI Testing and How To Fix Them
    NextPrevious
    ui-testing

    Challenges In UI Testing and How To Fix Them

    By Devika Deshpande | Quality Assurance, Testing | Comments are Closed | 1 June, 2022 | 0

    UI Testing

    User interface (UI) testing is an essential part of the software testing cycle. In UI testing, all interface components are tested to validate if the applications have the expected functionalities and if they are user-friendly. In this way, the tester gets to ensure not only the quality of the application but also the comfort of the user while using the application.

    UI testing typically involves testing the visual components to see if they meet the expected functional and performance requirements. 

    This translates into testing all visual indicators and graphical icons, such as radio buttons, checkboxes, text boxes, toolbars, fonts, menus, colors, fonts, and more. UI testing can be performed manually or with an automated tool. 

    The following are checked in UI testing:

    • Functionality
    • Usability
    • Visual Design
    • Performance
    • Compliance 

    UI Testing – Reasons

    UI testing is relevant for two reasons: First, checking how the application manages user actions undertaken using the mouse, keyboard, and other input devices. Second, checking whether the visual elements are displayed and working correctly. This helps the organizations ensure that the applications meet their functional requirements and also that the end-users will use them with comfort and ease. Therefore, UI testing plays a significant role prior to the release of an application to production.

    Approaches to UI testing

    1. Manual testing: A tester performs a set of operations to check if the application functions properly and if it conforms to the specified requirements. In this testing, the tester has to manually use all the features of the website or app to check for discrepancies. This is feasible if the software has a limited number of UI elements, which is usually found in the initial version of a website or app. However, this is not possible towards the closing stages, when there are thousands of UI elements that need to be verified. Manual testing is therefore time-consuming, highly prone to human error, inefficient, and has very poor test coverage. Also, the test coverage is very low. The quality of testing in this method depends entirely on the knowledge and skills of the testing team.
    2. Automated testing: In this testing, tests are done faster, which is useful to meet user expectations of speed. For instance, with automated Selenium testing, the software can be put through multiple test scenarios, and the same tests can be run repeatedly, even with different variables, if necessary: all this can be done both quickly and correctly. Also, these tests are not prone to human error. Multiple tests do not cause exhaustion either. The accuracy of the test results is purely dependent upon the correctness of the test scripts and the usage of the right tools. Test automation frameworks also automatically record results and share them with the team once tests are done. UI tests should be performed on multiple device-browser-OS combinations. And, instead of manually running UI tests on multiple devices and browsers, the testers simply need to design test cases that do the same.
    3. Record and replay testing: This testing is executed using automation tools. The automated UI testing tool records the actions and interactions with the application and then reproduces them and compares them with the expected behaviour. The replay phase is repeated for further testing. 
    4. Model-based testing: In this, graphical models are built that describe a system’s behaviour. As this provides a deeper understanding of the system, it leads to the generation of efficient test cases. In the models, the inputs and outputs of the system are determined, which in turn are used to run the tests. The steps of this testing are:
      • Creating a model for the system
      • Determining the system inputs
      • Verifying the expected output
      • Executing tests
      • Checking/validating system output vs. the expected output

    This model excels because of its high level of automation and greater test coverage.

    Challenges in UI Testing

    While performing UI tests, testers face many challenges which include but are not limited to the following:

    • Continuous upgrades – Upgrading constantly to accommodate new features and functionalities means performing comprehensive UI tests becomes a challenge.
    • Increasing complexity – Modern applications have highly complex features such as complex flowcharts, maps, embedded frames, diagrams, and other web elements. This in turn makes UI testing more challenging.
    • UI tests become time-consuming – Typically, it is a time-consuming process to create effective UI test scripts and execute the tests.
    • Maintaining the test scripts – When developers make changes to the user interface, it becomes challenging to maintain the UI test scripts.
    • Multiple error handling – While performing complex UI tests, especially under tight timelines, testers are preoccupied with creating scripts that fixing errors during the testing becomes a challenge.
    • Computing the ROI – As the UI keeps changing, so do the tests. This in turn causes the amount of time spent on UI testing to spike, consequently delaying the delivery process. And, eventually, it becomes very challenging to calculate the ROI for continuously performing UI tests.

    Here are some ways to overcome these challenges:

    • Selecting the right UI test automation tool: Choosing the right automation tool that, first and foremost, blends seamlessly with the workflow is recommended. Also, it should be low maintenance, it should have record/playback capabilities and defect tracking capabilities, and it should support reporting.
    • Automation tools without codes: By leveraging the power of codeless automation testing tools, developers and QA one can avoid repeating changes in the test code.
    • Using a shared repository: To reduce test maintenance and its costs, a shared repository can be used. 
    • Organizational coding culture and review standards: Organizations should train their teams on the most efficient test automation practices so that there are specific criteria for code review or modifications across the enterprise.

    UI Testing Checklist: 

    Here is a checklist of tests (though not exhaustive) to enable testers to test the interfaces thoroughly. 

    • Data type errors – Ensure that only valid data can be entered for specific data types: e.g. currency, dates, etc.
    • Set field widths – If a certain text box permits only a specified amount of characters, then let it be known clearly on the user interface.
    • Navigational elements – Check if all the navigational buttons are working correctly and if they redirect the users to the correct screen.
    • Progress bars – If displaying screens that take time to load or give the results, a progress bar needs to be used to show the user that a process is still running.
    • Type-ahead – If the UI has drop-down lists, then type ahead is a must. In a drop-down menu with several items, typing the first letter should skip to items beginning with that letter so that the users need not check through a long list.
    • Scrolling of tables – If data in your tables extends to another page, then the scroll function should let the users scroll down the data while keeping all the headers intact.
    • Log errors – Suppose there is a fatal error in the system, the application should log the error for review.
    • Menu items on display – Ensure that the application displays valid menu items that are available.
    • Working shortcuts – If the application supports shortcuts, check if they work well across multiple browsers, platforms, and devices.
    • Confirm action buttons – There has to be a working/active confirm button whenever the user saves or deletes an item.

    Besides testing individual elements, it’s equally important to do UI testing to verify the most important end-to-end processes to ensure that the code is working as it should be. 

    UI testing, or GUI testing, is a technique that tests all those features of the software that a user would interact with. Evidently, the quality of the user interface determines whether the user will continue with the website or application and also return to it. Thus, UI design and functionality can make or break the software, and it is no wonder the developers and testers are increasingly focusing on UI testing.

    At Hurix, our experts evaluate the features of any software, including visual elements like menus, radio buttons, checkboxes, text boxes, toolbars, colors and fonts, and many more. Testing for UI is done by hand or using an automated testing tool to verify that they are functioning according to requirements – in terms of functionality and performance. We test all visible indicators and icons that are graphical such as menus, radio buttons, checkboxes, text boxes, toolbars, colors and fonts, and many more.

    To know more about UI Testing solutions from HurixDigital, please give us a quick call on for a free consultation.

    quality assurance, quality control, testing, ui testing, UI/UX

    Devika Deshpande

    More posts by Devika Deshpande

    Related Post

    • localization-testing

      Why Localization Testing Must Be Your Top Priority?

      By Devika Deshpande | Comments are Closed

      The main goal of a mobile application developer or marketer is to increase the app’s visibility and exposure. This translates to an increase in the app’s monthly active users (MAU) and finally the revenue. ToRead more

    • consulting

      Importance Of QA Consulting and Analysis

      By Devika Deshpande | Comments are Closed

      At HurixDigital, we create and offer intelligent solutions to help your business grow. Our well-equipped QA Consulting and Analysis team of experts draws on our vast experience and domain knowledge to assist you in improvingRead more

    • penetration-testing

      Penetration Testing – Types, Stages and Vulnerabilities

      By Devika Deshpande | Comments are Closed

      Penetration Testing Penetration testing (ethical hacking) is the deliberate launching of simulated cyber-attacks in order to spot vulnerabilities, which can be exploited, in systems, websites, networks, and applications. The main objective of penetration testing isRead more

    • installation-testing

      Types Of Installation Testing and How To Do It?

      By Devika Deshpande | Comments are Closed

      The installation of an application is crucial, and any flaw in the installation can result in the user discarding the application. Hence, application installation testing is needed to ensure a smooth installation.  Application Implementation testing,Read more

    • Quality control vs quality assurance

      Differences Between Quality Assurance and Quality Control

      By Rajakrishnan B. | Comments are Closed

      Quality is not an act, it’s a habit. For every organization, delivering products and services of the highest quality is of paramount importance. Having an effective quality management system to monitor the quality of productsRead more

    NextPrevious

    More Resources

    • Case Studies
    • Whitepapers
    • How To Guides
    • Point of View
    • Awards
    • Press Release
    • Podcast

    Follow Us

    Recent Posts

    • Game Based Education
      30 March, 2023
      Comments Off on 7 Key Benefits of Game-Based Education in a Digital World

      7 Key Benefits of Game-Based Education in a Digital World

    • Online Learning
      30 March, 2023
      Comments Off on All You Need to Know About Switching from Traditional to Online Learning

      All You Need to Know About Switching from Traditional to Online Learning

    • Custom Learning
      30 March, 2023
      Comments Off on Advantages of Custom Learning Content Over Off-the-Shelf Courses

      Advantages of Custom Learning Content Over Off-the-Shelf Courses

    • LMS K-12 Education
      30 March, 2023
      Comments Off on Top 5 LMS for K-12 Education

      Top 5 LMS for K-12 Education

    Categories

    • Digital Content Solutions
    • Digital Engineering & Technology
    • Digital Products & Platforms
    • Digital Transformation Services
    • Higher Ed & K-12 Solutions

    Services & Solutions

    • Managed Cloud Services
    • Custom Software Development
    • eLearning & Training Solutions
    • Pre Press & Editorial Services
    • Higher Education Solutions

    Products and Platforms

    • Kitaboo
    • Kitaboo Insight
    • Kitaboo College
    • Learning Management System
    • ePUB3 Conversion

    Resources

    • Blog
    • Case Studies
    • Press Releases
    • How To Guides
    • Whitepapers
    • Point Of View

    About Us

    • Our Clients
    • Contact Us
    • Awards
    • CSR Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    Copyright © 2023 Hurix | All Rights Reserved.
    • Home
    • What we do
      • Digital Content Solutions
        • eLearning & Training Solutions
        • Higher Education Solutions
        • K-12 Content Solutions
        • Design, Animation & Video Services
      • Digital Content Transformation
        • Production Services
        • Pre Press & Editorial Services
        • Quality As A Service
        • Robotic Process Automation
      • Digital Engineering & Technology
        • Learning Technology Services
        • Managed Cloud Services
        • Custom Software Development
        • E-Commerce Solutions
        • Business Analysis as a service
      • Digital Platforms
        • Kitaboo
        • Kitaboo Insight
        • Kitaboo College
        • Learning Management System
    • Who we are
      • About Us
      • Life at Hurix
      • Careers
    • Who We Serve
      • Higher Education Institutions
      • K-12 Institutions
      • Enterprises
      • Publishers
      • Societies & Nonprofit Associations
    • Resources
      • Blog
      • Case Studies
      • How To Guides
      • Whitepapers
      • Point Of View
      • Awards
      • Press Releases
      • Podcast
    • Contact Us
    Hurix Digital
    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT