6 Innovations Impacting the Future of Product Testing

Successful product testing is crucial for delivering fully functioning, user-friendly, and high-performing products. With advancing technology, product testing is no longer just a singular task but a critical component in the product development journey.

In 2023, the Software Testing Market valuation rose to USD $51.8 billion and is expected to surpass USD $93 Billion by 2032.  

But why is product testing so important? Product testing allows product developers and product managers to: 

• Detect problems before product release – product testing is a sure way of finding bugs and shortfalls in a product early enough. Fixing these issues early saves the business time and money in the long run. 
• Improve product user friendliness – testing products with a select audience allows developers to receive feedback and take action to improve a product. The goal is to address all usability issues to give users the optimal experience.  
• Verify user assumptions—Products are developed to meet certain consumer needs. In product testing, developers can confirm which aspects of the developed product meet these needs and make adjustments accordingly.

Technological advancements have made product testing more comprehensive and innovative to meet consumer expectations. Some of the innovations that have and will continue to impact this revolutionary shift in product testing are: 

Virtual prototyping 

The technology of computer-aided design has been in existence since the 1960s but has progressively improved over the decades. Today CAD technology allows companies to test products in virtual environments before developing a physical prototype. Virtual prototyping ensures that developers can catch bugs and fix them in advance. As a product testing strategy virtual prototyping saves developers both time and money with the final product.  

Crowdsourced testing 

Crowdsourced testing utilizes online communities across the world to gain insights into a product’s performance. Crowdtesters are tasked with using software and applications before their release to the general public to identify defects and usability challenges to address and improve. As a product testing methodology, crowdsourced testing is gaining popularity as it has proven cost-effective for global-scale testing. Industries already applying and benefiting from crowdsource testing include the gaming industry, with online casino games such as those listed on Temple of Games improving their gameplay with the help of game tester communities. 

Big data analytics 

Data is essential to understanding consumer needs, preferences, feedback, and behavior. However, with advancements in data collection technology, data is being collected in very large volumes.  

These tools sift through large organized and unorganized datasets using advanced analytical methods to extract insights. Businesses then take action based on these insights to tailor their products to meet the target audience's specific needs. Big data analytics has proven extremely beneficial for players in insurance, healthcare, and manufacturing industries. 

Automated testing  

Software testing has been shifting from manual to automated strategies. This has been especially true when product testing includes repetitive tasks that may be too labour-intensive for human testers. Test automation allows tests to be run on software at a larger scale, more frequently, more accurately, and more efficiently. Automated testing has come in handy in performance and functional testing of software. 

Augmented Reality 

Incorporating augmented reality technology in product testing has revolutionized how product testers collect and interpret product feedback. Augmented reality creates interactive virtual environments where consumers engage with products or some of the product functions in real-time, test them out, and give better-informed feedback.  

The real estate industry has capitalized on using Augmented Reality in different aspects, such as through virtual showrooms. Investment in augmented reality technology is on the rise, and its global market size is expected to reach USD 1,869.40 billion by 2032.  

Artificial Intelligence 

The potential of Artificial Intelligence is still heavily untapped. However, product testing already utilizes AI's power through positive reinforcement learning. This technique involves teaching computers exactly what to do by identifying patterns, responses, or outcomes. In product testing, positive learning reinforcement can look like having a computer monitor the tests imposed on a product, register the positive and negative feedback, and establish the preference. Once the computer learns, it can take over, completing the test tasks accurately and faster, making product testing more efficient.  

Product testing is essential in ensuring product quality. A quality product meets users' satisfaction, has a competitive advantage in the market, and has been validated. On the other hand, developers employ product testing to ensure cost-effectiveness in product development, data-backed decisions, and efficient risk management before the final product interacts with consumers.  

Thanks to these six innovations and tech trends, there has been a vital shift in the approach to product testing and its significance in the product development cycle. These and other advanced technologies play a crucial role in guaranteeing quality assurance and ensuring products meet the needs of consumers today and in the future.