Understanding the Impact of Empathy on Software Testing and Development

Jenny Bramble delivers a comprehensive exploration of how empathy significantly influences software testing, development, and the overall impact on end-users. She shares her experience in developing applications for vulnerable groups, including seniors and gig economy workers, illustrating that a software crash can result in a profound loss for a person who heavily relies on that app, such as a non-verbal individual using an AAC app called vocable. Bramble advocates for considering 'the human factor' - acknowledging that each line of code can affect someone's life. She encourages developers to be intentional about the 'edge cases' in testing and to document what is or isn't being covered. The art of building empathy among technologists involves seeing users as real individuals with unique needs and limitations, feeling genuine concern for their lived experiences, and testing software from the user's perspective.