Ensuring the highest level of quality is paramount to delivering a seamless digital experience.
The critical role of a Digital Quality Analyst (QA) in the web development industry is to vigorously test and review websites before they’re pushed live.
We sit down with Framework’s own QA expert, Romany, to shed light on the skills, processes, and challenges that shape her work. From collaborating with development teams to managing diverse testing environments, Romany shares her insights on how she ensures all our websites are launched to the highest standards and airs her thoughts on the future of quality assurance.
Can you describe your role as a Quality Analyst?
As a QA, I ensure that websites meet quality standards through thorough testing, identifying defects, and verifying functionality. I collaborate with development teams to provide feedback and improve processes to enhance the user experience.
What key skills are essential for a QA in this industry?
Essential skills include technical proficiency in testing tools and methodologies, alongside strong analytical abilities and attention to detail. Personal skills like effective communication and adaptability are also crucial for collaborating with development teams and being able to quickly learn about new technologies.
What are the main stages of quality assurance in a typical web development project?
You start by planning and designing test cases, executing tests, and reporting defects. This is then followed by retesting fixes and ensuring that the final product meets quality standards before launch.
What tools or software do you typically use?
Typical tools used in manual testing include JIRA and Bugherd for issue tracking, Browserstack for test case management.
What are the most common challenges you face?
Tight deadlines can sometimes limit thorough testing and create communication gaps with development teams. Managing a variety of devices and browsers for testing, can lead to inconsistencies in user experience. Also, keeping updated with evolving technologies can be demanding.
How closely do you work with the development and design teams during the project lifecycle?
I am part of each project from the very beginning. I participate in regular meetings and provide feedback at each phase to ensure alignment on requirements. It helps identify potential issues early, and fosters a shared understanding of quality goals.
What do you see as the future of QA in web development, especially with emerging technologies like AI?
AI and machine learning will become increasingly more involved in QA for predicting potential issues and automating repetitive testing. This will free up manual testers to concentrate on more complex problems, ultimately improving product quality and efficiency
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become a Quality Analyst in the web development industry?
I would tell aspiring QA’s to focus on gaining hands-on experience with both manual and automated testing practices, as this will enhance their skill set and open them up to more opportunities. Networking within the industry and staying up-to-date with emerging technologies will also provide valuable insights and opportunities for growth.
