Exploratory testing in action: methods and tools for agile teams

What is exploratory testing?

Exploratory testing is a dynamic, creative approach to testing software without fully predefined test cases. The idea? Testers explore the application like adventurers charting unknown territory—or in this case, bugs. Instead of strictly ticking off a checklist, you dive hands-on into the application, guided by curiosity and experience.

Think of a chef trying out a new recipe: you have a basic idea, but you add spices, taste, and adjust along the way. Exploratory testing works the same way—just without the dirty dishes.

Why is exploratory testing essential in agile and DevOps?

Agile and DevOps environments demand rapid iterations and continuous improvement. Testers don’t always have time to create extensive test plans. This is where exploratory testing comes into play. It’s:

• Quick and flexible: You can start testing as soon as new features are available.
• Practical under time pressure: In a two-week sprint, you don’t want to spend a week writing test plans.
• Effective for complex bugs: Exploratory testing often uncovers unforeseen scenarios that traditional test cases might miss.
• Engaging for the team: Everyone, from developers to stakeholders, can join a session and provide valuable insights.

In Agile and DevOps, it’s crucial that testing is an integral part of the development process, and exploratory testing fits seamlessly into this.

Methods in exploratory testing

How to set up an exploratory testing charter

A charter is your guideline for a session. It includes:

• Objective: What do you want to test? For example, “Check if the payment function works with multiple currencies.”
• Scope: Which parts of the application are covered in this session? Focus is key.
• Approach: Which methods will you use? Think boundary testing, walkthroughs, or simulating user behavior.

Pro tip: Keep your charter concise. It’s a guideline, not a script.

Practical tips for timeboxed sessions

Exploratory testing is most effective when sessions are limited to a fixed time, such as 60 minutes. This prevents you from dwelling on details and keeps the focus sharp.

• Use a timer: Yes, really. It may sound strict, but it works.
• Take notes: Record what you do, what you find, and any questions that arise.
• Evaluate afterward: What did you discover? What needs to be retested?

Tools to support exploratory testing

Although exploratory testing is a creative approach, tools can help you stay organized. Here are a few recommendations:

• Session-Based Test Management (SBTM): A framework that helps structure your sessions and log results. Handy for teams that need reporting.
• TestRail: A tool to centrally manage test cases, logs, and findings. Ideal for teams with multiple testers.
• Mindmapping tools: Use tools like XMind to visually organize test ideas and identify relationships.

Using tools doesn’t mean losing the spontaneity of exploratory testing. Think of them as your toolbox, not a straitjacket.

Real-life examples

How exploratory testing is used in a sprint

Imagine the development team has just delivered a new search function. During an exploratory testing session, you decide to investigate the following:

• What happens if you enter a search term with 100 characters?
• How does the system respond to special characters?
• Can you search with an empty input?

Within an hour, you discover that the search function works perfectly—except when you enter an emoji. A bug that’s easy to fix but could have caused major user frustration if left unnoticed.

Gathering effective feedback during a debriefing

After the session, you discuss your findings with the team. Make it efficient:

• Be structured: Discuss what worked well and what didn’t.
• Engage stakeholders: Share the risks you’ve identified and the actions required.
• Plan follow-up actions: What needs retesting? Which bugs are a priority?

Exploratory testing for agile teams

Exploratory testing is more than a nice addition to your testing strategy; it’s a must-have for Agile teams aiming to deliver quality without getting bogged down in lengthy test plans. With a clear approach, effective tools, and a curious mindset, you can quickly gain valuable insights and elevate your team to the next level.

Want to learn more about how to use exploratory testing in your team? At Testlearning, you’ll find e-learnings to guide you further. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned QA expert, we have something for you. Check out our E-learning TMAP®: Quality for cross- functional teams and discover how you can make a difference!