Software Testing Live: Episode 03 - Shop 'till you DROP

Talk Description

Host: Ben Dowen (The Full Snack Tester)
Guest: Brittany Stewart (Senior QA Specialist)

What’s this session about?
In this live exploratory testing session, Ben and Brittany dive into the OWASP Juice Shop—an intentionally vulnerable e-commerce site. Together, they uncover UX flaws, functional bugs, and potential security risks, all while showcasing practical techniques for effective exploratory testing.

What you’ll learn:

• How to structure exploratory sessions using mission-based charters and the PQIP model (Problems, Questions, Ideas, Praise)
• Practical ways to spot usability and accessibility issues in web apps
• How to collaborate in real-time during testing—including note-taking, switching roles, and sharing observations
• Tips for approaching e-commerce testing with a critical and creative mindset
• A glimpse into security awareness, even in non-security-focused sessions

Key takeaways:

• The importance of clearly defined missions and goals in testing
• Why consistency in UI messages and password rules matters more than you think
• Real-world challenges of working in shared test environments
• How good note-taking and structured reflection help turn exploration into actionable insights

Tone & experience:
Professional yet approachable—this episode strikes a balance between technical depth and conversational ease. It’s ideal for testers at any level who want to sharpen their exploratory testing skills in a hands-on, engaging way.

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Brittany Stewart

Senior QA Consultant

QA Leader with 7+ years optimizing testing across entertainment, eCommerce, and FinTech. Expert in human-centered quality assurance and efficient test automation strategies.

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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.