If you have been working as a software tester or in software development for any length of time, you will probably have come across the term ‘manual testing’. At its worst, the term ‘manual testing’ can create a damaging divide, undervaluing human contributions while over-glorifying automation. At best, it diminishes thoughtful test activities.
In my article, " More than just ‘manual testing’: Recognising the skills of software testers", I discuss why this term might be harmful to the craft of software testing and how we can shift our focus to a more inclusive and accurate understanding of what all testers truly bring to the table. Who knows if we will ever see the term ‘manual’ go away, but we can and must try.
Let me run some quick questions by you. You don’t have to answer now, but bear it in mind when reading the article.
- Does a musician play music, or do they ‘manually play music’?
- Could you ever imagine yourself saying ‘manual’ in front of another profession like painter, actor, sculptor, doctor, scientist, chef, philosopher, designer, innovator?
- When humans move do they manually walk, talk, breath or think?
- Have you ever heard the phrases, manual accessibility testing, manual security testing or manual usability testing?
So, what are your thoughts? Does using the word ‘manual’ bother you? Do you use or can suggest alternatives?