Community of testers: the power of the crowd

Before launching their digital product on the market, more and more companies are now deciding to call on a global community of testers. Notable example: Google, who used this test method in October 2016 to test 14 pieces of its software. 

What does that involve?

This method consists of outsourcing the tests to a community of testers from around the globe.

Gathered on an online platform, the testers will use their experience by browsing the digital product (beta version, MVP or final version) on their own computer, mobile or tablet, to identify problems with which the developers overlooked and submit potential areas of improvement in terms of ergonomics.

Companies, therefore, use the collective knowledge of a global community to optimize the quality of their digital product.

Why use a community of testers?

If a word can summarize how this test solution stands out, it would be this: "diversity". By turning to a pool of testers, companies first benefit from diversity in the broad spectrum of people who make up this community. Indeed, since testers are located in different countries, many markets, as well as many languages, are covered. These testers have better knowledge of users' expectations (terms of use, payment). 

This test solution is also characterized by a variety of available peripherals. Having a pool of testers available allows for a large mobilization of different terminals. 

Also, there are other advantages to this test method: 

• Flexibility: Some projects require quick testing. A community of testers is, therefore, the solution, testers being available 24 hours a day. 

• Speed: The testers all work on the project at the same time. The bugs found are quickly reported to the platform. The digital product can then go to the market faster. 

• Cost under control: Using a community of testers is cost-effective, as the production company only pays for reported bugs and for a volume pre-determined. 

At StarDust, besides our laboratory and on-site testing solutions, we have set up such a community of professional testers around the world. This community (https://we-are-testers.com/) allows us to mix our test campaigns with laboratory approaches.

If you want to know more about testing through a professional community, you cn download our last white paper about that topic.