MIND MAP - A ULTIMATE THINKING TOOL FOR SOFTWARE TESTING

I am the only tester in my team testing all Android, iOS and web projects. Traditional way to prepare test documentations like test strategy, Test Plan and test cases takes more time. It's not possible for me to keep track all the features I have tested and need to test when I am having a multiple project's release on the same day. Still doing conventional approach of testing, i.e. maintain and execute test cases and mark them as "Pass/Fail". Getting limited time for testing because of maintaining all these test documents. In some releases I have missed lots of scenarios/functionalities to test due to less time for testing and this makes me unhappy after every release.

After a long search I came to know the blog about "Mobile Testing Mind Map" in adventuresinqa.com.  A mind map technique helped me to design rapid, clear, higher coverage and more efficient test cases using mind map technique. Then, I started using this technique for all the projects.

What is a Mind Map?
A mind map is a graphical way to represent ideas and concepts. It is a "Visual Thinking Tool" that helps structuring information, helping you to better analyze, comprehend, synthesize, recall and generate new ideas.

Why is mind map required?

• Simple to implement the idea in a creative way.
• Increase creativity.
• Provides more coverage.
• Very flexible and easy to maintain.
• Increase productivity.

What can we use mind maps for?

• Note taking
• Brainstorming
• Problem solving
• Team planning

Use mind maps in testing

Mind maps are an excellent tool and can be used in a variety of testing activities like requirement analysis, test planning, test design, measuring test coverage, test reports etc. Testing relies heavily on communicating stories about what should be tested, how it should be tested, what are the risk areas and so on. Making this process visual can help testing team articulate their thoughts and ideas better.

How to draw a mind map?

1. Start in the "CENTRE" of a blank page. Why? Because starting in the center gives your brain to spread out in all directions and to express itself more freely and naturally.
2. Use an "IMAGE OR PICTURE" for your central idea. Why? Because an image or picture speaks a thousand words and helps you use your imagination. A central image is more interesting, keeps you focussed, helps you concentrate and gives your brain more of a buzz!
3. Use "COLOURS" throughout. Why? Because colors are as exciting to your brain as are images. Color adds extra vibrancy and life to your mind map, adds tremendous energy to your creative thinking, and is FUN!
4. "CONNECT your MAIN BRANCHES" to the central image and connect your second and third level branches to the first and second levels etc. Why? Because your brain works by association. It likes to link two (or three, or four) things together. If you connect the branches, you will understand and remember a lot more easily.
5. Make your branches "CURVED" rather than straight-lined. Why? Because having nothing but straight lines are boring to your brain.
6. Use "ONE KEYWORD PER LINE". Why? Because single keyword gives you mind map more power and flexibility.
7. Use "IMAGES" throughout. Why? Because each image, like central image is worth a thousand words. So if you have only 10 images in your mind map, its equal to 10,000 words of notes.

A tool used to draw a mind map

I use coggle.it to draw a mind map. It's a free online tool, but some features are paid.

How it helped me to do testing?

It helped me to quickly visualize what to test and what not to test. There are branches that emerge out of the central idea (Responsive Web Testing) where I have added associated ideas.

My Thought

The Mind map is really a good technique to apply in software testing. "Test Insane" have more than 100 of mind maps. Each mind map deals with some testing topic and their mind maps helped me a lot in my testing.

TestInsane repository - http://apps.testinsane.com/mindmaps/

Thanks to Santosh Tuppad - The founder of Test Insane Software Testing Services.

Thanks to Daniel Knott. I found mind map technique in his blog "Mobile Testing Mind Map"

Here is my presentation on Mindmap :- https://www.slideshare.net/VijaykumarNadeshan1/mindmap-presentation-113322692 

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