Practical Steps for Achieving Bug-Free Digital Products

As digital product creators, there's nothing more frustrating than discovering a bug in our finished product. Not only does it negatively impact the user experience, but it also tarnishes the reputation of our team. That's why striving for bug-free products should always be a top priority. Here are some practical steps that can help you achieve this goal:

Step 1: Ensure Clarity on Release Tickets

It's important to have a clear understanding of which tickets are in the release branch and ensure that each one has proper test coverage. This includes unit tests conducted by developers and desk checks before tickets are passed on to the quality assurance (QA) team. Having a solid QA strategy in place, with time allocated for exploratory testing, is also key.

Step 2: Perform Daily Bug Triage

As the release date approaches, it's crucial to conduct daily bug triage sessions with the entire team. By catching and fixing bugs early on, before they turn into larger issues, you can avoid delays in the release timeline and reduce the risk of user dissatisfaction.

Step 3: Continuously Improve Processes

Even with the best efforts, some bugs may slip through the cracks. It's important to take a step back and reevaluate your processes. Are you conducting enough unit tests? Are you performing desk checks for every ticket? Do you have the appropriate test coverage? Are you allocating enough time for exploratory testing? Because no amount of automated testing can replicate the creativity and unpredictability of real-world use. By continuously improving workflows and optimising processes, you can minimise the likelihood of bugs occurring.

By following these practical steps, you can create top-of-the-line digital products that your users will love. It's not just about avoiding bugs in production, it's about delivering excellence in everything we do.

Do you have examples you can share about what you do to ensure you deliver quality products? Please add any of your tips in the comments!