At MikesBlogDesign, we're all about making software development enjoyable and collaborative. That's why we've introduced "Testing Parties" – a regular event where our team gathers online for a pizza-fueled session of testing and improving our software applications. Think of it as a virtual party with code, bugs, and bites! In this post, we'll outline what these parties are, how we run them, and why they're a game-changer for our team.
What Are Testing Parties?
Testing Parties are relaxed, group-based sessions designed to collectively test, debug, and enhance a specific software application. Instead of solitary bug hunts, we turn it into a social event. We schedule these on Saturday afternoons, when everyone can unwind, grab some pizza (or their favorite snack), and join a live stream on Discord. It's part virtual hangout, part productivity boost – all while improving our projects as a team.
Pro Tip: Even if you're remote, order pizza delivery to sync up the "party" vibe!
The Process: Step-by-Step Outline
We've refined our Testing Parties into a smooth, repeatable process. Here's how it works:
Choose the Focus App: A week in advance, we vote on which software application needs attention. It could be a new feature in our blog platform, a mobile app prototype, or an existing tool that's been acting up.
Schedule and Invite: We set the date for Saturday afternoon (usually 2-5 PM local time, adjusted for time zones). Invites go out via email and our team Slack, with a Discord link for the live stream.
Prep the Party: Everyone prepares by updating their local environments, reviewing the app's recent changes, and brainstorming potential issues. Don't forget to order pizza!
Kick Off the Live Stream: We start with a quick icebreaker – share what pizza topping you're rocking today. Then, the host shares their screen and walks through the app's key features.
Collaborative Testing: As a group, we test functionalities in real-time. Team members call out bugs, suggest improvements, and even pair-program fixes on the spot. We use Discord's voice chat for discussions and screen sharing for demos.
Document and Assign: We log all findings in a shared Google Doc or Jira board. Quick fixes are implemented live; bigger ones get assigned for follow-up.
Wrap Up and Celebrate: End with a recap of wins, a virtual cheers with our pizzas, and maybe a fun poll for the next session's focus.
Schedule and Frequency
We aim to hold Testing Parties bi-weekly on Saturdays, but we're flexible based on project needs. If a major release is coming up, we might squeeze in an extra mid-week session. The key is keeping it regular to build momentum and team spirit.
Tools We Use
Discord: For live streaming, voice chat, and screen sharing.
GitHub/Jira: To track issues and pull requests in real-time.
Screen Recording Tools: Like OBS Studio for capturing sessions if needed.
Virtual Whiteboards: Miro or Jamboard for visual brainstorming.
Benefits of Testing Parties
These sessions aren't just fun – they're effective! Here's why:
Boosted Collaboration: Team members from different expertise levels contribute, leading to diverse insights.
Faster Bug Resolution: Real-time testing catches issues early, often fixing them on the spot.
Improved Morale: Turning work into a party reduces burnout and builds camaraderie.
Better Software: Group efforts result in more thorough testing and innovative improvements.
Conclusion
If you're tired of solo debugging marathons, give Testing Parties a try! It's a simple yet powerful way to make software improvement a team celebration. At MikesBlogDesign, it's become a highlight of our week. Join us next Saturday – who knows, maybe we'll test something revolutionary while munching on pepperoni!