Software Testing Live Ep 05 - What's in the box?

03 Oct 2025
  • Locked
  • Ben Dowen's profile
  • Nataliia Burmei's profile
  • Software Testing Live's profile
Software Testing Live Ep 05 - What's in the box? thumbnail
A free account is required to view this content
Talk Description

In this episode, host Ben Dowen is joined by Nataliia Burmei to explore the differences between closed box and open box testing. Together, they unpack classic test design techniques, including equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, decision tables, pairwise testing, and state transition testing, illustrating their application in real-world examples.

The pair test live and sketch on a whiteboard while discussing how these techniques can work when you know very little about a system, as well as when you know a lot. They also reflect on when to use these techniques, how to combine them, and why even the basics of testing remain valuable in modern contexts.

This session is part practical demo, part conversation, and full of insights into how you can think critically about inputs, outputs, boundaries, and system behaviour.

Ben Dowen
Lead Quality Engineer
He/Him

I explore the world of software development and testing. Join me as I continue my adventures, discovering the wonders of quality.

Chapter Lead
Ambassador
Nataliia Burmei
Lead Quality Engineer

I am Nat, Lead Quality Engineer who loves travelling, running, quality coffee with a book on the side. Totally unbiased, I love quality.

Chapter Lead
Ambassador
Ben Dowen
Lead Quality Engineer
He/Him

I explore the world of software development and testing. Join me as I continue my adventures, discovering the wonders of quality.

Chapter Lead
Ambassador
Nataliia Burmei
Lead Quality Engineer

I am Nat, Lead Quality Engineer who loves travelling, running, quality coffee with a book on the side. Totally unbiased, I love quality.

Chapter Lead
Ambassador
Sign in to comment
Software Testing Live
More Talks
Leading quality in a large team MoT Cincinnati

0h 57m 15s

A tester’s guide to AI guardrails

1h 5m 3s

Software Testing Live: Episode 07 - Testing transparently Software Testing Live

1h 28m 50s

Subscribe to our newsletter