See a photo of Karen, her bio, Part 1 of this Q&A, Part 2, and Part 3, and Part 4.
Q&A with Karen N. Johnson (Questions 5 and 6)
Q: You refer to data visualization and cite Edward Tufte in your presentation. How does the graphical representation of data enhance storytelling regarding test results? Are there people who respond better to this type of visual story than they do to stories told in words?
A: I think there are people who are more visually inclined just as much
as there are subjects that may be better told with use of visuals. When I report information to someone, it’s best if I can calibrate my presentation style and tone and length to that person or audience. There are opportunities in software testing to pull in plenty of visuals. Performance testing is one area better suited for graphical interpretation and presentation. Other areas include business intelligence and data mining where pattern detection and trend analysis may be best discovered graphically. Delivering information and findings visually makes sense for those types of problems. I’ve found that story works with visuals, too, so there’s no need to have to choose one over another. I like Tufte’s suggestion that we can deliver information visually and then back up that information with raw data. I think story can work in the same way; we can provide the clarity, tell the story, and then have all our research and legwork available. It’s our data and research that will keep stories from being fables, which is essential in software testing.
Q: If you could share just one piece of advice or wisdom about using story in software testing, what would it be?
A: Experiment and find your own voice. For as certainly as we can bring concepts from other fields into our work, storytelling is another opportunity. Like any skill we pick up — it won’t suit the occasion all the time. There may be situations where storytelling isn’t the best approach but I like to have as many different techniques, ideas and approaches in my skill set as possible. The combination of story and software testing is a great pairing. Try it, experiment. Storytelling is like presenting. When presenting you have to find your own voice, your own style, and your own way of presenting. Storytelling is the same. In order to be authentic you can’t mimic someone else’s style, delivery, tone or mannerisms. You have to find your own way to tell.