Overview

Session Tester is a tool to aid Session-Based Testing.  It has a timer, so you can keep track of your sessions, and provides an easy way to track and store your session notes. Organize your session notes while testing using tags, and review or file your sessions after testing. Session files are stored in XML format, which are human readable, and are easily converted to other formats, or scannable by tools to gather information.

Session Tester requires that you enter the name(s) of the testers in the session, and the mission, which is your purpose for testing, or your testing focus. You also need to enter in the length of your test session.

Timer and Reminders

The Session Tester timer keeps track of your session time so you don't have to. Optional reminders help you stay on track (with the mission reminder) or warn you when your session is going to end. The timer is visible, so while you are note taking, you get a sense of how much time you have remaining at a glance.

Note Taking

Session Tester supports free form note taking, and automatically formats your XML file with session information. If you would like to organize your notes further, you can use tags which correspond to XML tags.

Idea Priming

This idea was introduced to us by Michael Bolton. It's a type of Oblique Strategy, which was created by Brian Eno and others. If you get really stuck for an idea when testing, click the "Prime Me!" button, and a testing-related phrase will appear. Keep clicking if the first one or two don't get your brain going.

 Session Files

Session files are stored in XML format, with a file structure and file name that reflects the current date. These files can be used to generate HTML versions as well, if you find those more readable. Session files are stored in your .sessiontester folder.