Quality Assurance and User Research

This module introduces the student to the quality assurance and user research processes, and provides practical experience in key software tools and techniques.

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Through engaging with the module, you will develop the Intellectual, Professional, Digital and Active Citizen Abertay Attributes. In particular:

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<li> Master their subject, understand how it is evolving, appreciate the importance of interdisciplinarity and recognise how what has been learned can be applied.</li>

<li> Understand how knowledge is generated, processed and disseminated, and actively apply knowledge in order to recognise problems and solutions.</li>

<li> Be equipped and motivated to continue learning and professional development throughout their careers.</li>

<li> Be able to work both independently and collaboratively, understanding the values and responsibilities of equality and playing a leadership and a team-member role as required.</li>

<li> Be determined, ambitious, articulate, adaptable, self-reflective, resilient, practical, proactive, innovative and enterprising.</li>

<li> Be responsive and responsible in personal, cultural and social contexts.</li>

<li> Understand and embody self-awareness, honesty and integrity in their professional and personal lives.</li>

<li> Develop digital fluency, giving them knowledge, skills and confidence to embrace digital solutions. </li>

<li> Be prepared for the world of work and understand the likely impact of digital technology in their chosen subject and across contexts.</li>

<li> Be inclusive, globally conscientious and socially respectful, and self-reflective.</li>

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By the end of this module the student should be able to:

1. Understand terminology and techniques used in the quality assurance of games
2. Create documentation to communicate project quality in teams
3. Utilise software to create, track and report on project quality
4. Demonstrate knowledge of user research within the design process
5. Execute effective user research practices for a game.

1 Introduction to QA

Why is testing necessary? What is testing? General testing principles. How testing relates to design.

2 QA in the Games Industry:

The different types of testing: Functionality, Certification, Localisation, Focus, etc. What are the industry trends?

3 Game Testing Processes:

Planning, Analysis, Design, Implementation, Execution and Reporting of the Test Process.

4 Documenting Game Quality:

Design and implement test plans, test cases and bug reports for a computer game using common software packages.

5 Measuring Game Quality:

Design and implement bug metrics and project indicators to measure project quality for games using a common software packages.

6 Game Testing Software and Tools:

Defect Tracking, Version Control & the Build Process. The evolution of test engineering and automation techniques

7 Introduction to User Research:

The importance of user-centric design in computer development, designing for different user audiences

8 Audiences and Markets:

Identifying audiences, personas and characteristics, understanding marketplaces, user reports and their value in design.

9 User Testing Practices:

Utilising qualitative and quantitative testing within game development, empirical approaches to testing.

10 Iteration and Delivery:

Validating research outcomes, how you incorporate focus testing and user feedback back into the project, an exercise in prioritisation and time management.