Functionality Testing For Wireless & Mobile

Functionality testing services can be performed depending on your individual testing requirements. In this respect, functionality testing can be customised depending on your project objectives, test specifications and functional priorities. A test plan will be generated, comprising of unified standards as well as general criteria / definitions covered within mobile phone application and games testing, such as interface, connectivity, performance, usability, documentation, audio testing and regressions; however, additional categories or specifically

customised test criteria can also be added. Procedures described here are in no way the totality of Absolute Quality's testing process, but appear here to provide a basic understanding of the testing procedures that a product undergoes during the test cycle. Procedures can change or be changed due to time constraints, changes in the product during development or at client request.

The basic functionality of a product is checked on one or two reference builds, to catch out any major functionality issues, or conflicts with the title's game design documents, if these are also supplied. At this stage we generate a base criteria test plan and the title undergoes

functionality testing pertinent to its development stage. The test plan can be generated to include checks against one or more network operator requirements or industry standards, allowing us to identify potential pre-certification issues at an early stage. If available, we would also prefer to receive a copy of the master text file at this point for initial checks, as this will help to identify any potential text issues.

When assigned to test the interface portion of the product, testers will check to make sure that it is possible to select every hot spot or available selection within the product, as well as thoroughly testing all paths through the interface. In testing the Interface of the product, testers will also make sure that each menu option and wrapper screen is available and that they are accessible to the user correctly and at the appropriate time.

When assigned to test connectivity issues, testers will attempt all possible network-to-network connections or messaging options available across a specific band of networks, according to specifications agreed in advance by our clients or where defined within game design documents. Testers will document any signs of poor connectivity, lack of connectivity, or incompatibility between product, device and network. Where a product predominantly relies on connectivity functionality, test procedures and plans can be customised accordingly.

Performance testing consists of ensuring the product in test is capable of handling all the functions that may occur on the device. Interruptions to the active product, such as incoming calls, incoming messages, suspension, loss of connectivity or loss of power will be simulated to test the product's stability and general performance. Testers will document any impaired functions or performance within the product, including loss of data, and any signs of impaired functions within the device itself caused by the product. For mobile testing, the speed of graphical performance is also considered, as depending on the mobile hardware being used, the graphical performance can sometimes be too fast or too slow for suitable play through.

When assigned to usability testing, testers ensure that controls and product functions are instinctive and clear, as well as user friendly. Testers will also ensure that information is logically presented, accurate, free of text errors and correct grammatically. Emphasis is placed on the product performing as described within the product guidelines, design document or directly from client specifications.

Absolute Quality can provide checks to ensure that any manual, read me file, help file, and technical supplement have the appropriate information and this information appears correct grammatically and is logically presented. AQ also provides consultation on adapting and developing your supporting documentation, or in creating and using documentation throughout testing, based on your pre-defined client standard.

Audio Testing consists of checking the sound effects and music sequences for clarity and for completeness. This includes any in game sounds and any other sound or vocalised effects.

Whenever a new version of a product arrives for test at Absolute Quality, the Lead Tester prints out a copy of the bug list that includes all bugs submitted, accepted and validated up to the previous version. The Lead then divides the list into manageable groups to provide to members of the test team, so that they can begin regression testing. In general, there are two different types of regressions tests. These are Fixed regressions and Open regressions. If our clients provide a list of Fixed bugs, that is to say a list of bugs that the programmers believe they have fixed, then the regression test only includes those bugs whose status has changed from Open to Fixed. If our clients do not provide a Fixed List, then the regression test includes all bugs with a status of Open.

The master checklist is a group of documents the test team use to keep track of every test carried out, up to the master candidate. When the Absolute Quality project lead signs off on a project, the master checklist must be completed, ensuring that every area of the product functions properly. The client may request to view a copy of the master checklist before the end of the testing cycle. Usually, the master checklist and all additional product specific checklists are created within the first week of test. The timeframe for the final completion or updating of the master checklist at the end of a project varies on a per project basis.

AQ provides mobile safety net testing where requested in order to quickly check client defined test criteria or specific potential issues, as defined by your own requirements, in collaboration with more generalised industry requirements or according to our own suggested specifications.

Client agreed checks and tests are performed within a build or set of compatible devices to ensure consistency in quality and performance are maintained. Safety net testing is generally quick fire testing, where specific issues and functionality may be checked across a wide handset range.

Evaluation testing can be implemented during early test cycles and development. Evaluation testing provides an assessment of the quality of a product, as well as suggestions for changes at early development stage, surmising and providing constructive conclusions on the overall

Criteria for evaluation testing includes functionality, usability, playability / re-playability, entertainment & fun factor, overall game design, interactivity, technology and quality. Through pre-defined checklists for evaluation testing, analysis can easily be made from evaluation reports as to where a title requires improvement beyond simple functionality issues. Providing evaluation testing within the developmental process and overall testing process encourages constructive feedback in order to facilitate a mobile product fulfilling its potential with regard to entertainment and overall quality. Through evaluation testing, AQ can help make your products more playable, improving quality, usability and user experience.

Basic functionality is checked on one or two reference versions to catch out any major functionality issues or conflicts within a product's design document (where provided). At this stage we generate a base criteria test plan and the product undergoes functionality testing pertinent to the development stage. The test plan can be generated to include checks against one or more network requirements or industry standards, allowing us to identify potential standards issues at an early stage. If available, we would request at this stage a copy of the master text file for initial checks, as this helps to identify potential text issues.

Absolute Quality provides testing which focuses primarily on gameplay, user experience, game balancing and game mechanics. Testing services for gameplay and balancing depend specifically on the overall product scale, context and genre, as well as the areas of gameplay

Gameplay testing and balancing may stem from evaluation of game in comparison to game design documents, player feedback, behavioural play evaluation, gameplay conceptualisation, constructive design analysis and criticism, immersive qualities, player motivation, level balancing, narrative flow & balance, etc.

When time is of the essence, you need reliable test results with a fast turnaround. At Absolute Quality we know that the longer some code problems are ignored, the more costly they can become to fix. Rather than spend time writing lengthy bugs, we will provide you with a clear and

Absolute Quality can schedule testing at short notice and if you require double shifts, evening, weekend or testing on public holidays, this can be arranged. With AQ's express testing services we can work even more quickly, by allocating more tester resources or test hours over a shorter period, providing quicker overall test turnaround or focusing test priority on major issues only, while providing testing that is highly customised and adaptive.

If and when crunch time becomes unavoidable, AQ's testing services are available at short notice to help, inline with your developmental requirements. Costs, availability and turnaround of intensive express testing depend on the scope and size of your project, the areas of testing, as well as the overall volume and duration of work associated.