Software Testing Blog

The uTest dev team has been busy (and sleep-deprived) of late.  Last night, we released version 2.6 of our platform, which contains our new and vastly improved tester profile. This will enable us to more precisely match our customers’ testing projects with the right members of the global community.

And for testers, it means we can do a much better job of inviting you to the the releases that match your location, languages, hardware, software, preferences and experience.  It will also translate into fewer emails hitting your inbox and more projects that are relevant to you. Since this revamped tester profile is such a big leap forward, we’re requiring all of our testers to complete it before they can participate in future testing projects.  It’s a simple 4-step process and takes just a few minutes!

If you’re already a uTester, please re-profile here. Not yet a part of the world’s largest community of software testers? You can sign up in minutes right here. Want to see the goods? Here’s what the new tester profile looks like:

Step 1 of 4:  Getting Started
We start by capturing the basic info from new testers (current testers will see this screen already filled out the next time they sign in).

Step 2 of 4:  Personal Info
Here we capture some demographic information (particularly important for usability testing).  Also, testers can now specify which types testing they want to do (functional, usability, load & performance). Speak multiple languages? Be sure to let us know that too!

Step 3 of 4:  Hardware and Software
As our customers and their apps get bigger and more mature, they’re asking for more specific hardware/software requirements every day.  So add all of your computers, mobile devices, gaming consoles, MP3 players, etc. to your profile and you’ll never miss out on a release again.

Step 3A:  Web and Desktop Devices
Here you can specify your computer details, including your OS, version, language, anti-virus and anti-spyware information. You can add multiple computers and update this information at any time (when you buy a new computer, upgrade your OS, download a new browser or anti-virus program).

Step 3B:  Mobile Devices
As our list of mobile customers expands dramatically, we’re constantly looking for more mobile testers with different device makers, models, wireless carriers and locations. Again, you can add multiple mobile devices and update your profile at any time.  Our new profiles will enable us to find the right testers for each project with no wasted time.

Step 3C:  Gaming and Other Devices
Additionally, specify what types of gaming consoles, MP3 players and digital readers you currently own.

Step 4 of 4:  Experience and Skills
Our testers have a wide range of industry experience, hobbies and skills.  Now you can tell us about your expertise and interests.

This revamped tester profile is a major event in the history of uTest and its community.  There’s much, much more to come, but this new version further extends our lead in the world of crowdsourced software testing.

Have thoughts, feedback or unabashed praise?  We’d love to hear ‘em in the comments below!  uTesters can also join the lively discussion on this topic (and many, many others) in our software testing forums.