Free software testing: Rogers.com “ACCOUNT REGISTRATION” – Rogers Cable

From an outsider standpoint, it’s hard to imagine how come Rogers can put crap online for such a basic thing as an Account Registration textbox.

As one who worked as a software tester for online apps, I know that sometimes business people (who write the requirements for such things) and testers can get away with putting crap online. Not doing their job and still cashing good money for their “consultant” contribution.

It’s a sad situation.

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It’s a damn box where the user types in a number and clicks Register.

The first test in the QA Bible for a simple scenario like this? Type in a valid account number and select Register.

Here’s what happened to me:

Rogers.com account registration

1. I looked for an indication (usually a text on top of the box) such as “type in the box below the account number on your Rogers bill, located on page 1 top-right corner”

There is no such helping text.

Therefore I typed in the only account number that I have from Rogers, the one on the bill.

2.  I looked for a helping text regarding the format of the account number. For example: “do not type dashes; type the numbers only with no space”

There is no such helping text.

Therefore I copied the format from the bill.

3. I typed in the postal code (same story there about the format) and selected Register.

Expected result: the account is registered and I am presented with some sort of confirmation message

Actual result: an error message displayed on top of the Account Number box: Please enter a valid account number.

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Outcome of poor business-requirements writing and poor testing (or lack of):

1. The online user gives up and calls Rogers Customer Service and gets the account number to use:

• A 10-second routine (type an account number and click Select) turns into a 20 minute affair.
  
• Unnecessary load on the Call Center

2. The user gives up using the online Account Registration on rogers.com.  A clueless business analyst and a lazy tester render useless an application that costs thousands or more to develop and maintain online.

3. The user is frustrated and Rogers brand gets another hit.

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Dear business analyst that worked on this page:

1. This is a valid account number. It’s on my bill. It says “Account Number” on top of  it.

2. Your message is an insult to logic, an insult to the user and an insult to the BA profession.

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Dear Rogers’ project manager:

1. The BA that designed this page did a poor job and got away with it.

2. The tester assigned to this most likely didn’t test it.

3. You got away with it, too.