Why Mobile APP Testing is Important Before You Launch It

Are you ready to launch your new mobile app? Great if you are but hold on! Have you tested it yet?

The modern world is dependent on mobile technology. In May 2017 alone, more than 65% of mobile users around the world downloaded at least one app. With that, more people are spending time in-app too.

This spells good news for businesses that depend on mobile apps. If you have a business that doesn’t bank on mobile apps, you still need one for it. These days, a website isn’t enough anymore.

Before you go about launching your app, you have to make sure it offers the best experience for your clients. Mobile app testing is how you check that.

Below, we have a list about why and how you can go about testing your app.

1. Mobile App Testing Checks Functionality

Does the app do what you designed it to do? Do all functions work as they should?

Checking for functionality is how you make sure the app works as it should.

Your mobile app will fall short if the codes fail, even if you have great app design. If you launch an app like that, people will uninstall it at once. They’ll give bad reviews on the app store and that can affect your business.

One way to prevent that outcome is by putting your app through a functions test. Functional testing is where beta testers try out all the functions of your app. They use different mobile application testing techniques to check for software errors.

They report back any unexpected behavior. Their reports should be comprehensive that you can tell which part of the code is erring or missing something.

Always remember function should come before form.

2. Assess Design Elements

So you’ve got your functions down. They’re working great and all but how’s your app aesthetic going? Is it at all inviting or does it look boring?

You perform application testing to check for consistent and comprehensible design elements. Are your fonts large enough and easy to read? Do you have a constant font or do you use too many different fonts?

One way to know if the design is good is to ask your beta testers about it. Take their opinions on design elements and consider any tips on improvement. Your tester’s opinions matter as much as your customer feedback will.

You also have to make sure that your application’s design elements do not change when clients use it on a different device. This is not a priority since you are designing a mobile app. Still, you cannot deny that there are clients who’d rather use tablets for business transactions.

3. Confirm Ease of Navigation and Usability

How intuitive is your mobile app? Does it offer any helpful tips about some functions or do you leave your clients to figure that out on their own? Are there too many sections or sub-menus that navigating the app becomes a puzzle?

When you get your app tested, you will see how easy or difficult it is to navigate. You may want to keep some sections separate from others. The question is do they complicate usability?

If they do, you have to find a way to make the navigation process simpler. Make a simple design or re-categorize your app. You can also make a walkthrough or a quick video guide.

Watch out when your app gets older. As your app grows, you’re likely to add more and more functions. It could complicate app usability and drive away new clients.

We know you haven’t even launched it yet but we want you to know about this problem early on. If you’re planning to add extra functions in the future, make sure you know how to add them in without complicating the usability.

Remember that great user experience is a big part of customer satisfaction.

4. Ensure Security and Access

When you open your app to the public, all kinds of people will be able to download and use it. We mean all kinds, even hackers. Before you launch your mobile app, you have to make sure it’s protected and secure.

Does it take sensitive user information? Does it need its users to log in? How accessible is it to the public and how private is user information?

Mobile app security testing is what you have to do to ensure app security. There are companies you can hire for this. They try to get into your app through regular access and hacks, then report back on holes in the system.

You can also add a setting that can cache content. This allows the app to store images, texts, and form information in the device. This way, they can use the app even when they are offline.

If you have developed a mobile game, you want your players to know their accounts are secure. You should protect your game from hackers.

App security is very important for games and other apps that involve money or credit.

5. Verify App Quality

This is one very good reason to put your mobile app through tests. You want to give your users the best experience in your business and your app. Application testing is how you know you’re giving them a quality mobile app.

You do this by beta testing. First, you have to set a beta tester persona. There are many types of beta testers based on their experience and specialty.

Once you figure out if you want technical or marketing testers, get a good number of them. We recommend 100 – 300 beta testers. There are sites where you can find people who will test your app and give you valuable feedback.

Next step is to set a period for the beta testing. This timeframe can vary depending on a few things. Your goals, resources, tester limitations, and total test phases affect your timeframe.

Test Your Mobile App

Those are the reasons why mobile app testing is an important part of the process. Testing the app on your own is not enough. You need feedback from other people.

We have one last tip for you. If your app caters to a specific community, a majority of your beta testers should be from that group of people. This way, you know exactly how your target market might react to your mobile app.

We hope this read was informative and helpful. Look for your beta testers now so you can get on with your beta tests.

Are you curious about 3D motion capture or mocap? It’s not only for Hollywood because you could use it to create amazing video ads! Take a moment to check out our piece on mocap and how it works.