Wie priorisieren und wählen Sie die relevantesten Plattformen und Geräte für Kompatibilitätstests aus?

When prioritizing platforms and devices for compatibility testing, the first step I take is identifying the target users and markets. I analyze user demographics, such as which devices, operating systems, and browsers they’re using the most. For instance, if a large portion of users are on iPhones or Android, I prioritize testing on those devices. This ensures we’re focusing on platforms that matter most to the end-users.

This is a two way approaches: 1. Aim for ready popular platforms and devices to outline possible compatibility design in software and hardware. 2. Aim for non popular platforms to enhance their products design to be in same level with other popular platforms.

I define the test scope and criteria by looking at business goals and the technical requirements. I decide whether we’re testing for basic functionality, performance, or security. This helps narrow down which devices or platforms need detailed testing. For example, when testing an app for e-commerce, performance on mobile is critical, so I prioritize mobile platforms over less-used desktop configurations.

Defining a clear and concise testing scope is crucial for any project. It ensures that everyone involved understands what will be tested, what won't be tested, and how success is measured. To understand the project objectives, start by identifying the overall goals of the test. Is it a new feature launch, bug fix, or something else? what are the expectations? What are the success metrics for this test? Prioritize the features or functionalities that are most important. Consider the risk factors and potential impact. Focus on areas with the highest value or risk. Consider the specific needs of your project and choose the most relevant testing types. Establish clear objectives and specify inclusions and exclusions.

After identifying the target platforms, I categorize devices based on factors like popularity, operating system, and device type (mobile, desktop, tablet). I usually break them down into categories like must-test (high-traffic platforms), secondary (less traffic but still relevant), and low priority (rarely used platforms). This way, I can allocate more time to critical devices while not ignoring lesser-used platforms entirely.

To prioritize and select the most relevant platforms and devices for compatibility testing, it's essential to categorize them based on factors like market share, target audience, and critical functionalities. Start by identifying the platforms most used by your target audience, such as iOS and Android for mobile, and Windows & macOS for desktop. Then, consider the browsers and versions significant for your web applications. Finally, prioritize devices & operating systems that are crucial for your app's success, ensuring thorough coverage of popular options while also accounting for niche or emerging platforms that your users might utilize. This categorization helps in efficiently allocating resources for comprehensive compatibility testing.

In my experience, when multiple platforms are involved, the scope also tends to vary. Say you have a test suite of 50 test cases. All of them will not apply to all the platforms in question since in many cases, the modules under test are either different or absent across platforms. Neither do you have infinite resources (man power, system bandwidth for automation, time). Hence, you need to be thoughtful about what you test on which platform.

I select specific test samples from each category. For example, in one project, I prioritized testing on Windows 10 with Chrome, iOS with Safari, and Android with Chrome because these combinations represented the majority of users. By ensuring adequate coverage of major platforms, I can catch most compatibility issues without overloading the testing process.

I regularly review and update the matrix to make sure it stays relevant as new platforms and devices emerge. I also monitor usage data—if a certain device or OS version gains or loses popularity, I adjust the matrix accordingly. Keeping the matrix updated has been crucial in making sure our testing aligns with what users are actually using in real time.

One thing I’ve learned is that user preferences can change rapidly, especially with new device releases or OS updates. Keeping a close eye on user analytics and staying informed about industry trends helps me adjust the compatibility testing priorities regularly. It’s also important to maintain flexibility, as sometimes a business might need to focus on niche platforms that cater to specific market segments.

Look for modern test automation tools that allow you to test multiple platforms under one roof. You'll see that most of these tools will provide integrations with device farms, which can prove useful.