Advanced Exploratory

Session-Based Test Management (SBTM)

Jonathan Bach pioneered:

• Time-boxed session 60-90 phút.
• Charter define scope, mission.
• Note-taking format.
• Debrief after.

Heuristics

FEW HICCUPPS (James Bach)

• Familiar — similar to known good?
• Explainable — behavior make sense?
• World — match real world?
• History — past behavior consistent?
• Image — match marketing?
• Comparable — similar to competitor?
• Claims — match doc?
• Users — meet user need?
• Product — internal consistent?
• Purpose — fulfill purpose?
• Standards — meet standards?

SFDIPOT (Michael Bolton)

• Structure — components.
• Function — what app does.
• Data — inputs/outputs.
• Interface — UI, API.
• Platform — environment.
• Operations — how use.
• Time — timing, schedule.

CRUD

Create, Read, Update, Delete — exhaust each.

Tours (James Whittaker)

• Feature Tour — visit all features once.
• Antisocial Tour — try worst input.
• Money Tour — focus revenue-related.
• Landmark Tour — visit key UI elements.

Bug taxonomy

Categorize bugs found → identify pattern team need address.

• UI / layout.
• Functional.
• Data / state.
• Performance.
• Security.
• Compatibility.

Output

• Session report 1 page.
• Notes structured (HTSM heuristic).
• Bugs filed properly.
• Suggestions for follow-up.

VN team practice

Senior QA at FPT, KMS regularly run exploratory session. Junior partner with senior to learn.