
Testing Educational Software: Delivering Quality
Client Overview:
The client, an established global provider of educational software and e-learning platforms, approached SDET Tech with a pressing need to evaluate the quality and accessibility of their software products. As they expanded their user base globally, ensuring an inclusive and high-performing user experience for students, educators, and administrators became paramount. The platform was designed to serve diverse educational needs, but it lacked comprehensive testing that aligned with industry standards for performance and digital accessibility.
Problem Statement
The client was facing the following challenges:
1. Inconsistent Software Performance: Users reported performance issues such as slow load times, crashes, and compatibility problems across different devices and network conditions.
2. Accessibility Gaps: The platform was not fully compliant with accessibility guidelines such as WCAG 2.1, which affected users with disabilities, including students using screen readers and other assistive technologies.
3. User Experience Concerns: With a growing global audience, the client needed to ensure that the educational software provided an intuitive, seamless user experience for learners and educators across various geographies.
Given the critical nature of their software for educational delivery, the client sought out SDET Tech, a leading provider of software testing services in India, to perform a thorough assessment and remediation.
Solution Provided by SDET Tech
SDET Tech deployed a comprehensive testing strategy, focusing on the following key areas:
- Objective: Ensure the platform’s responsiveness under different load conditions.
- Approach: SDET Tech’s performance testing team used tools like Apache JMeter and LoadRunner to simulate high-traffic environments and test how the software responded to different network conditions and device types.
- Outcome: The testing uncovered several bottlenecks, particularly when multiple users accessed the platform simultaneously. SDET Tech helped the client optimize their back-end processes and database queries, reducing load times by 35%.
- Objective: Ensure the platform meets global accessibility standards such as WCAG 2.1 and Section 508.
- Approach: The team conducted manual and automated accessibility testing using tools like Axe, WAVE, and NVDA screen readers. They worked closely with users who had disabilities to identify areas of improvement, such as missing alt text for images, improper form labels, and insufficient color contrast.
- Outcome: After accessibility remediation, the platform achieved an AA-level compliance with WCAG 2.1. User feedback indicated a significant improvement in accessibility, allowing students with disabilities to access educational content seamlessly.
- Objective: Validate the core features of the platform to ensure that users could perform tasks like submitting assignments, attending virtual classes, and using communication tools effectively.
- Approach: SDET Tech employed a mix of manual and automated functional testing using tools like Selenium and QTP. Usability testing involved real users from different demographics to provide insights into the intuitive use of the platform.
- Outcome: Over 50 critical bugs were identified and fixed. SDET Tech also recommended UI/UX improvements that reduced navigation complexity, improving user satisfaction and engagement metrics by 20%.
- Objective: Ensure that the mobile versions of the educational software worked efficiently across different operating systems and screen sizes.
- Approach: SDET Tech used real device testing and cloud-based emulation to check the app’s performance under various conditions. For accessibility, the team tested mobile screen reader compatibility and touch gestures to ensure full functionality for all users.
- Outcome: Post-testing, the app became more stable, with a 30% increase in performance efficiency. Accessibility issues, particularly those affecting visually impaired users, were resolved.
1. Performance Testing
2. Accessibility Testing
3. Functional and Usability Testing
4. Mobile App Performance and Accessibility Testing
Results Achieved
SDET Tech’s holistic approach to software testing helped the client achieve the following results:
- 35% Improvement in Load Times: Through performance testing and optimization, the platform’s speed and responsiveness were significantly enhanced, providing a better user experience for students and educators alike.
- Achieved WCAG 2.1 Compliance: The accessibility testing and remediation process helped the client meet global accessibility standards, opening up their educational platform to students with disabilities.
- Improved User Engagement by 20%: By enhancing the functional and usability aspects of the platform, user satisfaction rates increased, resulting in higher engagement across various courses and modules.
- Seamless Mobile Experience: Both the Android and iOS versions of the client’s educational software were optimized for performance and accessibility, increasing app downloads and retention by 15%.
Conclusion
By partnering with SDET Tech, the client was able to address both the quality and accessibility concerns of their educational platform. SDET Tech’s expertise in performance, accessibility, and functional testing enabled the client to deliver an inclusive and high-quality learning experience to their global audience.
As one of the leading software testing companies in India, SDET Tech’s solutions provided the client with the assurance that their software not only performs efficiently but also meets the needs of diverse user groups, including those with disabilities.