How do you ensure a good Smart TV and HbbTV experience? Download our testing white paper find out. It covers UX and UI testing for apps and devices, including manual and automated testing, as well as touching on certification testing and standards.
First impressions count
First impressions count for both hardware devices and the services and apps that run on them. With a hardware product, you need to get the user interface right before it reaches the shop – you can’t update the buttons on the remote control after it’s been sold. With services and apps, the user experience is even more important and you might only get one chance to get it right. If it’s too difficult to use, the customer might uninstall it or never click again. This is why testing of both the user interface and the user experience is essential. You need to ensure not only that the functions of the interface work as planned, but also that the experience of using the interface and the product or app is pleasant, simple and convenient to use. There should be no dead ends, no “what do I do now?” moments, and no bugs.
Testing for real people
Almost all aspects of UI and UX testing need to be done manually. The tests should evaluate how real people experience the interface, whether they like it and what they find confusing, and they should also identify any hidden issues. Since manual testing takes time, app developers can save time and costs by working together with partner who is experienced in UI and UX testing. They will have a clear idea of what to look for and which elements are workable in practice, and they will be able to help with mocking up different UIs for pre-testing as part the design process.
At Sofia Digital, we have a test lab with over 200 devices, and our highly-skilled testing team has the knowhow to develop the best testing approaches for all kinds of Smart TV hardware and applications.
Will it work in real life?
The testing process involves a thorough evaluation of all functions, menus and features, as well as checking that the different app views render correctly and look good. This includes verifying that the contrast is right, that the fonts are readable and that the images are in focus, and also that the app meets, for example, the EU’s new accessibility requirements. The testing process will also evaluate whether the UI is logical and easy to use, and whether important settings are easy to find. In addition, it will investigate how usable the app is when it’s operated with TV remote controls – the interface requirements for remote control handsets are significantly different to those for web and mobile-based apps.
Testing may also be necessary as a part of maintaining your service. For example, when an unexpected problem is identified or customers report bugs. Here again, a knowledgeable testing team will be invaluable. They’ll have the experience to get to the root cause quickly, and the capabilities to reproduce and investigate user complaints, and to trial fixes, improvements and changes.
Find out more and download the white paper: Why testing your Smart TV and HbbTV platforms and applications is essential
After you have read the white paper, you should know more about testing for Smart TV and HbbTV platforms and apps. When you’re ready to find out more, get in touch. Our testing team will be happy to help and discuss your needs in more detail.
With Sofia Digital, you’ll get everything you need from one company.
