We've all had moments when we're scrolling through a website or mobile app, only to find it isn't working as expected....
My personal favorite is when you click on a dropdown menu, and it opens only to close immediately before you can make a selection. I've raced against the screen countless times, trying to click anything before it disappears.
Another common issue? Typos or styling problems that make the page look unpolished or "off." Believe it or not, there's a job dedicated to finding these issues—those pesky "bugs"—and that job is QA, short for Quality Assurance.
When you think of an application, you probably think of developers—the people who write the code. Developers are crucial, no doubt, but QA is arguably just as essential.
Here's why QA is often overlooked but absolutely shouldn't be:
At first glance, having developers test their own code might seem like a cheaper and faster solution.
However, this approach often leads to more problems, costing additional time and money in the long run.
Developers excel at creating features and fixing issues, but even the most skilled developer can miss something or misunderstand the broader context of a problem.
Having someone else review a fix or test a new feature ensures that the final product works as intended.
A developer’s primary focus is to implement the feature or resolve the issue at hand. While they typically test their work to confirm it functions as expected, this is where their testing usually ends. QA, on the other hand, examines the product from a user’s perspective. Their job is to ensure the application makes sense, works smoothly, and delivers an exceptional user experience.
This distinction is critical.
The difference between an application that "works" and one that exceeds users' expectations can make or break a business.
Think about it - if a website or mobile app is visually unappealing, clunky, or riddled with errors, you’re less likely to use it. Most people feel the same. A seamless, intuitive, and polished experience can set your application apart from the competition. While big-picture tasks like fixing bugs and adding features are essential, the smaller details matter just as much—and are often where QA shines.
QA professionals collaborate with developers to create the best possible version of the application, addressing both functionality and the finer points of user experience. Investing in QA ensures your product is efficient, polished, and less prone to costly errors or oversights.
- Written by Ashley Haas
Looking for Midwest-Based Developers for Your Business?
Open up new opportunities, grow revenue and improve user experience with Aviron Software. Based in St. Louis with USA programmers & QA specialists, Aviron can help your business whether on web, mobile apps or desktop software development. Get in touch via hello@avironsoftware.com or contact us.
Do you prefer to text? Send a text over to (314) 541-3446 to setup a time to discuss growing your business through software.
