Visualization in testing. Mind maps

What is Mind Maps?

Mind map is a structure in the form of blocks that demonstrates the relationship between elements. This term has many synonyms: associative map, connection diagram, knowledge map, mental map, intelligence map, thought map, mind map. 

Visualization of the thinking process has been used by people for hundreds of years, but this technology began to be popularized only in the middle of the last century. Today, mind maps are widely used in various activities for memorizing and analyzing information.

Why is test visualization necessary?

In testing, especially at the beginning of work on a new project, many questions arise: what to test, how to test, when to test, what are the priorities of testing, etc. At the same time, most often, the customer wants to know the answers to these questions as soon as possible.

Intelligence maps save a lot of time, as they allow you to quickly identify the main idea, set priorities and cover the entire scope of work. A mind map is usually depicted as a tree diagram with tasks that are connected by branches to the main goal. This way of recording allows you to visualize the associative thinking of the brain and develop a discussion of the central problem.

The main rules for creating a mental map

In order for the connection diagram to be as effective as possible, several rules must be followed:

1. The main goal (problem, idea) is located in the center.
2. Branches with the main predictable answers to questions, problem solving, or idea development emanate from the center.
3. Each branch can also branch. In this way, everything is built from the main to the secondary.
4. Instead of phrases, only key words carrying the main semantic load are recorded.

The test object is usually the basis of the connection diagram in the tester's work. To begin with, the project needs to be broken down into basic functions by answering the following questions:

• What is the product for?
• What will the user do there?
• What does the customer want the user to do there?

 When discussing approaches to testing a new product, there are also central questions, for example:

• What types of testing will be used?
• What tests are included in functional testing?
• What testing tools will be used?

Mind maps are suitable for large projects that are scary to take on at first. But if you start visualizing, everything falls apart on the shelves. The entire mega project, like a ball, is gradually unwound and an ordered map of successive actions emerges. The key idea gives rise to several main big ones, each of which, in turn, develops and is specified in the form of even smaller ones. The main condition is to start from the main goal and move to the secondary ones, and not vice versa.

Application of smart cards in testing

It often happens that when a new project appears, the specification for it is missing or contains a lot of text. Information needs to be organized and structured, time and resources should be estimated. It is impossible to keep in memory all logical connections and chains.

Smart cards help organize data, reduce the risk of getting confused or forgetting details. You can leave comments, attach screenshots and links to each element of the map, which allows you to use it as documentation (for example, a test plan). There is no need to study a lot of text in search of the right place to make changes or search for information. Visualization and transparency of mental maps also allow you to see logical inaccuracies in the documentation, shortcomings or possible improvements of the tested product.

Usually, checklists are used to structure the testing of elements and functions, but they are often too long and confusing. Therefore, it is sometimes easier to draw up connection diagrams, which are more clear due to the visual format and therefore reduce the risk of missing an inspection. Having set the priorities on the map, it is already difficult to forget about the priority tasks and the most important parts of the functionality. An intelligence map clearly illustrates the relationships between elements. Thanks to this, if a bug appears in one place, you can quickly check all the parts and functions related to it.

Tools for creating mind maps

1. XMind is a popular shareware utility for creating smart maps. Supports platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux. It has a sufficient number of modern templates, styles and forms. The program is convenient and intuitive to use.

2. MindMeister is a shareware program with a bright and convenient interface, but registration on the portal is required. You are allowed to create up to three connection diagrams for free. Supported on platforms: web, iOS, Android. The service has standard templates and provides the ability to upload images. The main advantage of the app is that it has functions to share a link to the chart and leave comments. Drawing maps is easy and simple.

3. Coggle is a free program for three personal relationship charts. Supported on platforms: web, iOS, Android. For beginners, this is one of the best services for creating mind maps. The resource is also convenient for team work on a joint task: it is possible to leave comments and receive notifications about changes.

4. MindMup offers free usage for cards up to 100KB. Platforms: web, iOS, Android. The program is easy to use, there are quick links for all basic needs – from changing the color of each node to adding detailed text and attaching a file. MindMup allows you to create mind maps and share them with other users even without logging into the system. Free maps are automatically deleted after six months, but are a great option for smaller projects.

5. Draw.io is the best of the free tools. Supports platforms: web, macOS, Linux, Windows, Chrome OS. The application allows you to add blocks, shapes, links, text and images, as well as change colors, connect ideas with lines, and so on. Since the service is used to create various types of visualization (diagrams, block diagrams), many elements and connections will have to be created manually. You can use the web version without logging in or download a separate program and work outside the browser. But you need to be prepared for advertising – it is advertising that gives free access to all functions.

Conclusions

Smart cards help to structure and systematize information in a concise form, to set priorities and not to forget about important details. They can replace cumbersome test plans or long checklists. Data visibility helps to more accurately analyze the degree of labor intensity, assess risks, and, thus, build work on the project more efficiently.