For some time we have seen the emphasis in Quality Assurance (QA) shifts from primarily functional testing to a more balanced approach that addresses non-functional testing. That shift will become even more prominent in 2025.
Four drivers that steer companies towards non-functional testing
Functional testing will not guarantee a positive user experience
Users not only demand that applications perform their intended tasks but also that they do so efficiently, securely, and intuitively. As a result, QA teams are recognising the need to address non-functional requirements to enhance overall product quality.
The integration of agile and DevOps
Continuous delivery demands that non-functional testing be incorporated early and often in the development process. By adopting a more proactive approach to non-functional requirements, QA teams can identify potential issues sooner, allowing for quicker iterations and reduced time-to-market.
The rise of digital services and applications
With the rise of mobile apps, cloud-based solutions, and interconnected systems,
the potential for performance bottlenecks and security vulnerabilities has increased.
Therefore, QA teams are prioritising non-functional testing to mitigate risks and ensure that applications can perform under real-world conditions.
Compliance requirements for security, data privacy, and accessibility
Non-functional testing plays a crucial role in validating that applications meet regulatory standards, helping organisations avoid costly penalties and reputational damage associated with non-compliance.
Start with three non-functional testing areas in 2025
When you’re not yet focusing on non-functional testing, 2025 is the year to start doing so. There are three important areas where we think your efforts will have most impact: security testing, performance testing and accessibility testing.
Security testing
This aims to identify risks, verify the effectiveness of existing security controls, and suggest improvements. It plays a crucial role in enhancing operational efficiency, building trust, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Performance testing
The primary objective of performance testing is to ensure that applications meet speed, scalability, and stability requirements, ensuring optimal user experiences even when demand is high. Good performance testing delivers important business benefits related to performance and reliability, thus avoiding potential legal or financial repercussions.
Accessibility testing
By prioritising accessibility testing, you not only fulfill ethical and legal obligations but also position yourselves for long-term success, as accessibility testing offers several key business advantages.
A simple step-by-step approach
1. Establish clear objectives
Define specific non-functional testing goals aligned with business requirements.
2. Integrate non-functional testing early
Adopt a shift-left approach by incorporating non-functional testing early in the software development lifecycle. This means collaborating with software engineering teams from the initial stages to identify potential non-functional issues before they become critical.
3. Invest in training and tools
Equip QA teams with the necessary skills and tools for effective non-functional testing. This includes training on performance testing tools, security testing methodologies, and usability evaluation techniques. Investing in automation tools can also enhance testing efficiency and accuracy.
4. Develop comprehensive test plans
Create detailed test plans that encompass both functional and non-functional testing requirements. Ensure that non-functional scenarios, such as load testing, stress testing, and security assessments, are included in the overall testing strategy.
5. Foster cross-functional collaboration
Encourage collaboration between QA, development, operations, and business teams. This ensures that non-functional requirements are well understood and integrated into the development process.
6. Perform regular assessments and reviews
Regular reviews help identify areas for improvement, measure progress against KPIs, and ensure that non-functional testing remains a priority as the organisation evolves.
Want to know more?
We recently published a complete whitepaper with new insights on QA. The increased focus on non-functional testing is but one of them. Download the entire whitepaper and discover valuable other insights from our QA experts.
