Stay Suspicious: Embracing the QA Mindset
A screen full of green checkmarks can feel like a victory—a sign that everything is working as expected. But for me, as a QA professional, it sparks suspicion. Those green checkmarks don’t mean the software is flawless; they signal it’s time to dig deeper. Embracing a mindset of curiosity and skepticism has helped me uncover hidden bugs and ensure true quality, proving that suspicion isn’t doubt—it’s a commitment to excellence.
The Illusion of Green Checkmarks
When all tests pass, it’s tempting to feel a sense of relief and accomplishment. But I’ve learned to question: Can 100% of the tests really pass with no issues? Green checkmarks aren’t a guarantee of perfection—they’re a checkpoint. They show that the core functionality is stable, but they also remind me of the bugs I haven’t yet discovered. No system is perfect, and those passing tests often mask edge cases, unexpected user behaviors, or untested assumptions that could lead to problems in production.
Exploratory Testing: Hunting for Hidden Bugs
At a previous role, I addressed this suspicion by scheduling a weekly hour on my public calendar for exploratory testing. This wasn’t about following scripts or automated tests—it was a deliberate space to hunt for undiscovered issues in areas our tests might have overlooked. With the confidence that green checkmarks gave me about core functionality, I could focus on uncharted territories: edge cases, user behaviors, and assumptions that needed challenging. This creative and methodical approach often revealed issues traditional testing missed, strengthening the product’s overall quality.
The QA Mindset: Suspicion as a Strength
For quality professionals, staying suspicious isn’t about doubting the process—it’s about embracing continuous improvement. Green checkmarks mark a moment to ask critical questions: What haven’t I tested? What assumptions am I making? What risks have I overlooked? This persistent curiosity drives better outcomes. While engineering and management focus on validating what works, QA is about challenging what might not, ensuring the product can withstand real-world use.
Tips for Cultivating a Suspicious Mindset
- Schedule Exploratory Time: Dedicate regular blocks for unscripted testing to explore beyond automated checks.
- Challenge Assumptions: Question the stability of passing tests by testing edge cases and unexpected scenarios.
- Focus on the Uncharted: Use green checkmarks as a signal to shift attention to areas that haven’t been thoroughly tested.
- Stay Curious: Let suspicion guide you to ask “what if?” and uncover issues before they impact users.
The next time you see a screen full of green checkmarks, don’t rest easy—think of me and stay suspicious. 🤣 Those passing tests are just the beginning, not the end. By embracing a QA mindset of curiosity and skepticism, you’ll uncover hidden bugs, challenge assumptions, and deliver software that’s truly reliable. In a world of green checkmarks, suspicion isn’t a flaw—it’s your greatest asset as a quality professional.