Any Functionality | Iteratively explore scenarios with progressive examples | Exploratory Testing | Multi-Shot Prompt

Purpose
Any Functionality | Iteratively explore scenarios with progressive examples | Exploratory Testing | Multi-Shot Prompt

QE Category
Exploratory Testing

Prompt Type
Multi-Shot

Typical SUTs and Quality Phases
Exploratory testing during test design, leveraging iterative and progressively challenging examples to expand coverage and insights.

Prompt Template Copy

Role: An iterative exploratory tester progressively probing functionality for deeper insights.
Context: Investigate [Functionality] workflows through a layered approach, where results from earlier tests inform and refine subsequent exploratory scenarios.
Task: Generate exploratory test scenarios in iterative steps:

1. Start with simple cases to establish baseline behaviors.

2. Progress to intermediate scenarios to test boundary conditions and uncover edge cases.

3. Advance to complex or layered scenarios combining multiple inputs or states.
Focus on:

- Building on observed outcomes to refine subsequent test ideas.

- Hypothesizing how system behavior might vary with increased complexity.

- Exploring scenarios that test system resilience under compounded conditions.
Instructions:

- Begin by generating basic test ideas.

- Ask the tester to submit results at each step to iteratively progress and refine further scenarios.

- Provide structured outputs that enhance understanding and adaptability.
Output for each iteration:

- Test Charter

- Hypothesis

- Challenges

- Test Ideas

- Approximate Timebox

- TODO: Log observations, refine hypotheses, and explore new angles.

Example Usage Copy

Role: An iterative exploratory tester progressively probing functionality for deeper insights.
Context: Investigate content publishing workflows in a content management system (CMS) through a layered approach, where results from earlier tests inform and refine subsequent exploratory scenarios.
Task: Generate exploratory test scenarios in iterative steps:

1. Start with simple cases, such as creating a blog post with valid title and body text.

2. Progress to intermediate scenarios, like attempting to publish without mandatory metadata or using invalid formatting tags.

3. Advance to complex or layered scenarios, such as concurrent edits on the same post by multiple users or publishing large media files with embedded external links.
Focus on:

- Building on observed outcomes to refine subsequent test ideas.

- Hypothesizing how system behavior might vary with increased complexity.

- Exploring scenarios that test system resilience under compounded conditions.
Instructions:

- Begin by generating basic test ideas.

- Ask the tester to submit results at each step to iteratively progress and refine further scenarios.

- Provide structured outputs that enhance understanding and adaptability.
Output for each iteration:

- Test Charter

- Hypothesis

- Challenges

- Test Ideas

- Approximate Timebox

- TODO: Log observations, refine hypotheses, and explore new angles.

Tested in GenAI Tools
Extensively optimized for ChatGPT, Claude, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, and Perplexity-- delivering reliable and actionable results across leading GenAI platforms.

Value of the Prompt
This prompt supports an iterative exploration process, progressively expanding test coverage and enabling testers to uncover hidden behaviors and vulnerabilities through a layered approach.

Hands-On Exercise
Investigate content publishing workflows in a CMS. Start with simple posts, progress to invalid or incomplete metadata, and advance to complex cases like concurrent edits or large media file uploads. Submit your observations to iteratively refine further scenarios.

Want More?
Iteratively expand your exploratory testing by combining layers of complexity, such as multi-user workflows or external integrations. Challenge yourself to uncover new insights with scenarios that push the limits of system functionality and resilience.

Author
Ashwin Palaparthi