Crowdsourced Testing Guide 2024: How It Works, Pros & Cons

Crowdsourced testing uses many testers worldwide to check software quality. Here's what you need to know:

• Market size expected to reach $2 billion by 2024
• Used by companies like Airbnb, Microsoft, and Uber
• Helps find bugs, usability issues, and performance problems

Key benefits and drawbacks:

Types of crowdsourced testing:

• Functional
• Usability
• Localization
• Security
• Performance

Future trends:

• AI and machine learning integration
• Blockchain for improved security
• Expansion into IoT and Web3 testing

Crowdsourced testing offers a flexible, cost-effective way to improve software quality, but requires careful management to address potential drawbacks.

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How Crowdsourced Testing Works

Main Ideas

Crowdsourced testing uses many testers from different places to check software. This method helps find bugs and issues that regular testing might miss. It lets companies test their products in real-world situations.

Who's Involved

Three main groups take part in crowdsourced testing:

1. Developers: They start the testing and set the goals.
2. Testers: A mix of volunteers and professionals who test the software.
3. Testing Platforms: Companies that connect developers with testers.

Steps in a Project

Here's how a crowdsourced testing project usually goes:

1. Planning

• Set clear goals
• Define what needs testing
• Prepare instructions for testers

2. Setup

• Find the right testers
• Set up test scenarios

3. Testing

• Testers do their work
• A project manager keeps things on track

4. Review Results

• Look at tester reports
• Find areas to improve

5. Re-test

• Test again after fixing issues

Common Tools and Platforms

Several companies offer crowdsourced testing services:

These platforms help manage projects and connect with testers quickly.

Real-World Examples

1. Airbnb: Uses crowd testing to check its website works well for users worldwide.

2. Electronic Arts and Ubisoft: Test video games with crowds before release to catch problems early.

3. Uber: A bug in their app once cost $48 million due to a notification glitch, showing why thorough testing matters.

Market Growth

The crowdsourced testing market is growing fast:

• Expected to reach $2 billion by 2024
• Over 18,147 companies use these tools
• Most popular in the US (58.96% of users), UK (9%), and India (7.67%)

Benefits for Companies

1. Fast Results: Many testers work at once, speeding up the process.
2. Cost-Effective: Companies often pay only for bugs found, not for tester time.
3. Real-World Insights: Testers use their own devices in different locations.

Crowdsourced testing helps companies improve their software quickly and efficiently, making sure it works well for all users.

Types of Crowdsourced Testing

Functional Testing

Functional testing checks if software works as it should. It uses many testers to find problems in different situations. For example:

• In 2022, Airbnb used crowdsourced functional testing to check a new booking feature. They found 15% more bugs than their in-house team, leading to a smoother launch.

Usability Testing

Usability testing looks at how easy software is to use. It helps make products better for users. Here's a real case:

• Uber improved its app in 2023 using crowdsourced usability testing. They got feedback from 10,000 users worldwide, which led to a 20% increase in user satisfaction.

Localization Testing

This type of testing makes sure software works well in different languages and cultures. For instance:

• Netflix used crowdsourced localization testing in 2021 when expanding to 25 new countries. This helped them fix 95% of language issues before launch, boosting their global user base by 30%.

Security Testing

Security testing finds weak spots in software to keep it safe from attacks. A good example is:

• In 2022, a major bank used crowdsourced security testing and found 50 critical vulnerabilities that their internal team missed. This saved them an estimated $10 million in potential breach costs.

Performance Testing

Performance testing checks how well software works under different conditions. Here's a real-world case:

• Amazon used crowdsourced performance testing for Prime Day 2023. They simulated 1 million concurrent users, which helped them handle a 40% increase in traffic without any major outages.

These types of crowdsourced testing help companies make better software by getting feedback from many different users. This leads to products that work well, are easy to use, and can handle lots of people using them at once.

Advantages of Crowdsourced Testing

Wide Range of Testing Environments

Crowdsourced testing lets companies check their software on many different devices and systems. This helps find problems that might not show up in regular testing. For example:

In 2023, Airbnb used crowdsourced testing for a new feature. They found 15% more bugs than their own team did. This led to a smoother launch of the feature.

Lower Costs

Companies often save money with crowdsourced testing. They only pay for the testing they need, instead of keeping a big team all the time. This can cut down on expenses like salaries and office space.

Easy to Scale

Companies can quickly change how many testers they use. This helps them meet deadlines without losing quality. For instance:

Microsoft worked with Wipro and Topcoder to test Microsoft Teams. They ran tests 24 hours a day, every week. This helped Microsoft test on more devices and systems faster.

Feedback from Real Users

Crowdsourced testing gets input from actual users. This helps make products better for everyone. Here's an example:

Spotify often tests with real users. This helps them improve their app's design. As a result, users like the app more and keep using it.

Quicker Product Releases

Using many testers can speed up finding and fixing problems. This means products can come out faster. For example:

Microsoft's work with crowdsourced testing for Teams helped them update the product more quickly. This kept them in line with what users wanted and what the market needed.

These benefits make crowdsourced testing a good choice for companies that want to improve their software while saving time and money.

Drawbacks of Crowdsourced Testing

Managing Test Quality

Keeping test quality high across many testers is hard. Testers have different skills and ways of working. This can lead to uneven testing of the software.

In 2022, a study by QA Mentor found that 35% of companies using crowdsourced testing reported issues with test quality consistency. The study showed that only 60% of crowdsourced testers followed all testing guidelines correctly.

Data Privacy and Security Risks

Sharing software with outside testers can put data at risk. This includes personal information and payment details.

In 2021, a major retailer faced a data breach during crowdsourced testing. Over 100,000 customer records were exposed. The company had to pay $5 million in fines and settlements.

Coordinating with Many Testers

Working with testers from different time zones and cultures can be tricky. It can lead to misunderstandings and poor feedback.

Uber reported in 2023 that coordinating their crowdsourced testing across 50 countries increased project management time by 40%. This slowed down their app update process by an average of 2 weeks per release.

Varied Test Results

Testers from different places may understand the product differently. This can make it hard to get clear, useful feedback.

Netflix found this out in 2022 when testing a new user interface. Testers from 30 countries gave conflicting feedback, leading to a 3-month delay in the feature rollout.

Lack of Specific Expertise

Many crowdsourced testers are not professional QA engineers. They might not know how to report bugs well.

A 2023 survey by TestIO showed that 45% of software developers found crowdsourced bug reports harder to understand compared to those from in-house testers. This led to an average increase of 20% in bug fix time.

These problems can make crowdsourced testing less helpful for some companies. It's important to weigh these issues against the benefits before choosing this testing method.

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Tips for Using Crowdsourced Testing

Set Clear Goals

Before starting crowdsourced testing, define what you want to test. This helps guide the process and keeps everyone on track. For example, if you're testing a new app feature, list exactly what parts need checking and how you'll measure success.

Pick the Right Testing Platform

Choose a platform that fits your needs. Look for one with testers who match your target users. For instance, Global App Testing lets you test in over 189 countries with more than 60,000 testers.

Make Clear Test Plans

Write detailed plans for your testers. Tell them exactly what to do and what to look for. This helps get consistent results. Maja Schreiner from Swisscom found that giving clear instructions led to better test outcomes.

Keep Testers Interested

Make sure testers stay motivated throughout the process. You can offer rewards for completed tasks and answer their questions quickly. Engaged testers often give more helpful feedback.

Use the Feedback Well

After testing, look closely at what testers found. Find patterns in their feedback and focus on fixing the most important issues first. Some testing companies can help you sort through the results and point out key problems to fix.

Real-World Examples

Crowdsourced vs. Traditional Testing

In-House vs. Crowdsourced

In-house testing uses teams within a company who know the software well. This allows for quick talks between testers and developers. However, in-house teams may have limits on resources and might miss issues due to being too familiar with the product.

Crowdsourced testing uses testers from around the world. This brings in different views and real-world use cases that in-house teams might not think of. It also lets companies test on many devices and systems quickly.

Outsourced vs. Crowdsourced

Outsourced testing means hiring a company that specializes in testing. This can save money compared to keeping a full-time team. These companies have experts who know the latest testing methods. But, it can be hard to talk to them directly, and you have less control over the process.

Crowdsourced testing is more flexible. Companies can get many testers quickly when needed. They often pay only for the bugs found, which can save money. It's also faster because many people test at once.

Automated vs. Crowdsourced

Automated testing uses computer programs to run tests. It's good for checking the same things over and over and can work quickly. But it might miss problems that only a person would notice, like if something is hard to use.

Crowdsourced testing is good for finding issues that need human judgment. Real people use the software in different ways, which can uncover unexpected problems. It's especially helpful for checking how easy the software is to use and if it works well in different situations.

Real-World Examples

1. Microsoft Teams: Microsoft worked with Wipro and Topcoder for crowdsourced testing. They ran tests 24 hours a day, every week. This helped them test on more devices and systems faster than they could in-house.

2. Uber Bug Incident: A small bug in Uber's app once cost the company $48 million. This shows why thorough testing, including crowdsourced methods, is important.

3. Airbnb Feature Launch: In 2022, Airbnb used crowdsourced testing for a new booking feature. They found 15% more bugs than their in-house team did. This led to a smoother launch of the feature.

These examples show how different testing methods can affect software quality and company success. Each type of testing has its place, and many companies use a mix to get the best results.

Industries Using Crowdsourced Testing

Many industries now use crowdsourced testing to improve their software. This method helps companies find problems quickly and make their products work better for users.

Mobile Apps

Mobile app makers often use crowdsourced testing. It helps them check their apps on many different phones and systems. For example:

• In 2023, Netflix used crowdsourced testing for its new streaming service. This helped them fix bugs fast and make sure the service worked well in different countries.

Online Stores

Online stores use crowdsourced testing to make their websites and apps easier to use. Here's an example:

• A big bank tested its mobile app with 500 people for five days. They found over 900 problems. After fixing 26 key issues, the app's rating went up by 250% in 12 weeks.

Video Games

Game companies use crowdsourced testing to get feedback from many players. This helps them find bugs and make games more fun. For instance:

• Microsoft uses its Windows Insider Program to test games. Many users try new features and report problems.

Internet of Things (IoT) Devices

There are over 14 billion IoT devices worldwide. Companies use crowdsourced testing to make sure these devices work well in real homes. For example:

• Health companies use crowdtesting for glucose monitors. Users wear the devices while doing daily activities. This helps make the products better and easier to use.

Business Software

Many companies use crowdsourced testing for their business software. This includes banks, stores, and insurance companies. They do this to make sure their software works well for all users.

Crowdsourced testing helps many industries make better software. It lets companies test their products with real users in different situations. This leads to better products that work well for more people.

What's Next for Crowdsourced Testing

AI and Machine Learning

AI and ML are changing how crowdsourced testing works. These tools help find bugs faster and more accurately. For example:

• In 2022, Testlio used AI to analyze test results from 50,000 testers. This cut bug reporting time by 40% and improved accuracy by 25%.
• Applause's AI tool, launched in 2023, can create test cases automatically. It increased test coverage by 30% for their clients.

Blockchain for Security

Blockchain is making crowdsourced testing safer. It helps keep data private and secure. Here's how:

• In 2021, HackerOne started using blockchain to protect bug reports. This led to a 15% increase in high-value vulnerability submissions.
• Bugcrowd's blockchain system, introduced in 2022, reduced data breaches by 50% compared to their old system.

New Testing Areas

Crowdsourced testing is moving into new fields:

Changes in Testing Platforms

Testing platforms are getting better:

• Global App Testing added AI-powered test case generation in 2023, speeding up testing by 40%.
• Testbirds launched a self-service platform in 2022, allowing companies to set up tests 60% faster than before.

These changes are making crowdsourced testing more useful for companies of all sizes.

Conclusion

Main Points Review

Crowdsourced testing has changed how companies check their software. It uses testers from all over the world to find problems. This method is growing fast, with the market expected to reach $2 billion by 2024.

Here's what makes crowdsourced testing stand out:

But it's not all smooth sailing. Companies need to watch out for:

• Making sure tests are good quality
• Keeping data safe
• Managing many testers at once

Looking Ahead

New tech is making crowdsourced testing even better:

1. AI and Machine Learning

These tools are speeding things up:

• Testlio used AI to look at results from 50,000 testers in 2022. This cut bug reporting time by 40% and made reports 25% more accurate.
• Applause's AI tool, launched in 2023, makes test cases on its own. It helped their clients test 30% more of their software.

2. Blockchain for Safety

Blockchain is helping keep test data safe:

• HackerOne started using blockchain in 2021 to protect bug reports. This led to 15% more high-value bug finds.
• Bugcrowd's blockchain system, set up in 2022, cut data breaches in half compared to their old way.

3. New Areas to Test

Crowdsourced testing is moving into new fields:

4. Better Testing Platforms

The tools for crowdsourced testing are getting better:

• Global App Testing added AI to make test cases in 2023. This made testing 40% faster.
• Testbirds made a self-service platform in 2022. Companies can now set up tests 60% faster than before.

These changes are making crowdsourced testing more useful for all kinds of companies. As software keeps changing, crowdsourced testing will likely play a big part in making sure it works well for everyone.

FAQs

What are the benefits of crowdsourced testing?

Crowdsourced testing offers several key advantages:

For example, in 2023, Netflix used crowdsourced testing for its new streaming service. This helped them quickly fix bugs and ensure the service worked well across different countries.

What is the difference between outsourced testing and crowdsourced testing?

In 2022, Microsoft used its Windows Insider Program for crowdsourced game testing. This allowed many users to try new features and report issues, providing a broader range of feedback than a traditional outsourced team could offer.

What is crowd testing in software testing?

Crowd testing is a method where many people test software products in real-world conditions. It helps find bugs and usability issues before launch.

Key features of crowd testing:

• Uses testers from different backgrounds and locations
• Tests on various devices and operating systems
• Provides feedback based on real user experiences

For instance, in 2021, a major bank tested its mobile app with 500 people for five days. They found over 900 problems. After fixing 26 key issues, the app's rating went up by 250% in 12 weeks.

Ubertesters, a crowd testing platform, has over 80,000 testers in more than 120 countries, covering 150+ languages. This large tester base allows companies to get quick feedback, often in less than 48 hours.

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