Rapid Software Testing- A deep dive into the nature of testing and quality with Michael Bolton
At Hidden Trail, we take great pride in taking a distinctly innovative approach to quality assurance. It's a discipline that we believe transcends mere technical skill - for us it is rather about cultivating an analytical mindset, encouraging a culture of critical thinking, and accepting the challenges that come with digital innovation.
During a specially curated training week, led by the testing guru Michael Bolton, we wanted to share his testing mindset and how it can be applied to daily work. Besides his role as a course instructor, we also took Michael to visit our clients in industries as diverse as finance, healthcare, and e-commerce to examine industry-specific QA challenges.
Testing as a mindset
Michael’s course framework is designed to challenge and redefine conventional norms in software testing. His core message was that testing is less about confirming whether the software works in a vacuum and more about exploring its performance under varying, often unpredictable conditions.
"Testing is a mindset," Bolton often says, "aimed at exposing the truths about software that can save companies from costly mistakes and reputational damage."
QA professionals should not just be executors of test cases
but thinkers and strategists who empower managers to make informed decisions about their products.
Strategic thinking beyond consequences
Michael Bolton’s role in Rapid Software Testing, his testing methodology, training extends beyond instruction—he engages with clients to address industry-specific QA questions, emphasizing the necessity of asking "fundamental" questions that probe the root of issues rather than their symptoms. This approach aligns with our philosophy: QA professionals should not just be executors of test cases but thinkers and strategists who empower managers to make informed decisions about their products. "Testing is less about checking if the software works and more about investigating how it behaves under various scenarios," Bolton explains. This perspective is critical for businesses that want to build robust, world-class products.
A significant portion of our discussions were dedicated to the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in testing. While AI offers tremendous potential, it also raises several challenges and limitations: As we integrate more AI tools into testing, it is natural that questions will arise about their reliability and the ethical implications of their use. These tools can seem like black boxes - complex and opaque - making it crucial for testers to understand not just what AI-based tools do, but how they do it and why.
"The best software testing course I've ever attended."
From bug-hunters to storytellers
"The best software testing course I've ever attended." This glowing testimonial from a recent participant was hard to miss on our colorful Post-it board. It embodies the shared sentiment of attendees who felt the course validated their role as a vital piece within software development. As testers, what more could we ask for?
The practical applications of what Michael teaches are tangible and immediate. Participants learn that being a tester is more than just finding bugs; it's about being a storyteller who can articulate the risks and realities of software projects to stakeholders. This perspective turns testers into crucial assets who can steer projects toward success by making sure software not only meets functional requirements but also aligns with broader business goals.
At Hidden Trail, we embrace and work towards a future where quality assurance is not just a function but a core feature of the company's business strategy. We are fueled by collective expertise and innovation to keep our curriculum at the cutting edge of technology and management philosophy.
We invite you to join us in both rethinking quality and QA with the mindset and skills needed to drive true quality transformation.