Exploratory Testing is a dynamic software testing approach that emphasizes creativity, real-time learning, and defect discovery. The integration of ET into structured frameworks like Scrum remains insufficiently explored and presents distinct challenges. This qualitative study investigates how ET is implemented in Scrum workflows and identifies key factors enabling its effective application. Interviews with 20 industry professionals highlight ET’s role in enhancing test coverage, uncovering usability issues, and addressing edge cases often missed by automated or scripted tests. The most critical enablers of effective ET are the tester’s willingness to learn about the system un- der test and the ability to adopt a user-centric perspective. Other key factors include testers’ curiosity, creativity, domain knowledge, and organizational support. Participants noted that ET complements Scrum’s iterative cycles, enabling teams to identify defects dynamically and improve software quality. Despite its advantages, ET faces challenges within Scrum, including time constraints and the need for traceability. Lightweight documentation practices, such as annotated mind maps and screen recordings, emerged as effective strategies to bridge these gaps. This study underscores ET’s potential to enhance Scrum workflows, providing actionable insights for optimizing testing strategies in Agile environments.
The Use of Exploratory Software Testing in Scrum (XP presentation_GNeri_126.pptx) | 533KiB |
The Use of Exploratory Software Testing in Scrum (ET_in_Scrum__A_Qualitative_Study__XP126.pdf) | 262KiB |
The Use of Exploratory Software Testing in Scrum (XP presentation_GNeri_126.pdf) | 443KiB |
Wed 4 JunDisplayed time zone: Amsterdam, Berlin, Bern, Rome, Stockholm, Vienna change
14:00 - 15:30 | |||
14:00 30mTalk | Exploratory Software Testing in Scrum: A Qualitative Study Research Papers Giulia Neri The University of Sheffield, Rob Marchand The University of Sheffield, Neil Walkinshaw The University of Sheffield File Attached | ||
14:30 20mTalk | Fostering New Work Practices Bottom-up Through a Community of Practice - A Case Study in a Large-Scale Agile Software Development Organization Research Papers Franziska Tobisch Technical University of Munich (TUM), Florian Matthes Technical University of Munich Link to publication File Attached | ||
14:50 20mTalk | A Mosaic of Perspectives: Understanding Ownership in Software Engineering Research Papers Tomi Suomi University of Jyväskylä, Petri Ihantola University of Jyväskylä, Tommi Mikkonen University of Helsinki, Niko Mäkitalo University of Jyväskylä Pre-print File Attached | ||
15:10 20mTalk | Mutation Testing in Test Code Refactoring: Leveraging Mutants to Ensure Behavioral Consistency Research Papers File Attached |