Project Summary
Network Grey through the Bzaar app tailored for smaller towns and rural areas, created a purpose-driven Mobile Shopping App, and successfully reached production phase through a partnership with Inspired Testing. The app, which consolidates local shops, artisans, and services into a single platform, underwent rigorous testing to meet the requirements for listing on the Google Play Store.
“We extend our sincere thanks to Inspired Testing for their exceptional support during the testing phase of our Bzaar app for release on the Google Play Store. Their expertise and attention to detail were instrumental in resolving critical issues, ensuring our platform’s reliability in preparation for the app's launch and the pilot rollout into smaller, South African towns.” — Elouise Trichardt, Partner
Company
Network Grey
Project
The Bzaar app – Mobile Shopping and Delivery
Industry
Web design and development
Location
South Africa
Solution
Manual testing on actual mobile phones
Team
20 software test professionals
Duration
14 consecutive days
Client Overview
Network Grey is a forward-thinking digital design and problem-solving company dedicated to empowering solopreneurs and microbusinesses. They specialise in creating purpose-driven websites and digital solutions that simplify the complexities of running a business. As entrepreneurs themselves, they understand the challenges of navigating the grey.
Recognising that mobile commerce is the future, they embarked on the Bzaar app as their own pilot project to better understand Mobile commerce, and the potential and complexities.
Bzaar is a mobile shopping and delivery app specifically designed for smaller towns and rural areas across South Africa. It aims to bridge the gap in shopping and delivery services in these underserved regions, offering a convenient and cost-effective platform for local consumers and businesses to connect through an easy-to-use app that supports both online ordering for home delivery by local drivers or in-app pickup. Its geolocation functionality further enhances the user experience by enabling visitors and tourists to discover and connect with local businesses in their immediate vicinity.
By fostering local shopping and exploring the unique offerings of each area, Bzaar not only simplifies daily life but also creates new opportunities for local drivers and businesses, supporting the growth of the mobile commerce industry and strengthening community engagement.
Problem statement
Initially, Network Grey faced significant challenges in testing and validating their Bzaar app to meet Google's stringent requirements for listing on the Google Play Store. The app needed real users to engage with it over a 14-day period to demonstrate consistent usage and validate its functionality. Network Grey initially faced challenges with the testing process. Family and friends who volunteered to assist were unable to reliably test every day and consistently engage with all three components of the app—buying app, partner app, and delivery app—as required by Google Play Store’s 14-day 'Closed-Testing' period. This inconsistency in daily testing and feedback made it difficult to effectively identify and resolve bugs and meet the required daily targets. To overcome these challenges, the client required a disciplined and structured testing approach to ensure the app was thoroughly evaluated and prepared for launch.
Solution
- Structured User Testing: Inspired Testing provided a disciplined approach to user testing, involving a systematic interaction with the app's entire lifecycle, including the buying app, partner app, and delivery app. This ensured all functionalities were thoroughly tested.
- Bug Identification and Resolution: The testing team focused on identifying and resolving specific bugs, such as UX and UI issues. This attention to detail was critical in meeting the standards required for listing on the Google Play Store.
- Engagement with the Client's Team: The testing team collaborated closely with Network Grey, providing insightful feedback and preparing the app for its pilot launch. This collaboration was key in moving closer to the goal of supporting small enterprises in rural communities.
- Preparation for Launch: The rigorous testing and feedback process was instrumental in preparing the app for its launch, particularly in the pilot project in the Western Cape, South Africa. The client aimed to expand the app's reach to other small towns, effectively bringing modern shopping and delivery services to more communities.
Before improvement
The app was initially only available on the Apple Store, which excluded many local communities, as most locals in South Africa use Android phones. To be listed on the Google Play Store, Google required the app to be used on physical Android phones for 14 consecutive days by 20 users.
After improvement
Inspired Testing extended the rigorous testing done for the Google Play Store to also cover the Apple Store. This comprehensive approach ensured a higher quality app that was ready for both platforms.
Benefit to the client after implementation
Successfully securing approval and listing on both the Apple and Google Play Stores was crucial for Network Grey, as it made the Bzaar app widely accessible, enabling them to achieve their goal of supporting small enterprises and local communities by reaching more people.
The next phase is the launch of Bzaar in selected towns in the Western Cape, South Africa, a key step in validating the app’s functionality in a real-world environment.