Tools to help you with exploratory testing

20 Aug 2025
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Callum Akehurst-Ryan's profile
Callum Akehurst-Ryan

Staff Quality Engineer

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Talk Description

Exploratory testing is a hands-on, curious approach to uncovering issues and gaining a deeper understanding of a system. It’s flexible, instinct-driven, and often uncovers problems that scripted testing might miss. While the thinking and decision-making come from you, tools can support your exploration by helping you observe what’s happening and track and share what you find.

In this 404 Talk, Callum Akehurst-Ryan shares three practical tools that support his exploratory testing sessions. You’ll see how browser developer tools help you investigate what’s happening under the UI, how mind maps can be used to record and communicate your findings, and how screenshots and screen recordings can capture behaviours in real time as you explore.

Callum Akehurst-Ryan
Staff Quality Engineer
He/Him

Hi I'm Callum, a software tester and quality coach in London. I talk about exploratory testing, test strategy, diversity & inclusion and building testing in agile teams / startups.

Callum Akehurst-Ryan
Staff Quality Engineer
He/Him

Hi I'm Callum, a software tester and quality coach in London. I talk about exploratory testing, test strategy, diversity & inclusion and building testing in agile teams / startups.

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