Exploratory Testing Superpowers: Unleashing Your Inner Batman

In this talk, Dan Reiley will touch on a common issue in software testing: scripted tests often miss hidden problems, especially when dealing with fast-changing software. Following rigid checklists limits the ability to uncover deeper bugs. To address this, QA teams the world over turn to exploratory testing, which involves learning, designing, and executing tests at the same time. Drawing from his experience at Sirius XM and with the SiriusXM app, Dan applied three important skills: observation, deduction, and documentation & adaptability. Through careful observation, he discovered issues that scripted tests would overlook, and by using logical deduction, he tested theories to find root causes. Thorough documentation made sure the results were clear and easy to act on. Attendees will leave with actionable insights on how to adopt this approach, improve bug detection, and strengthen collaboration with development teams. The key takeaway is that building these skills helps testers uncover hidden issues and deliver higher-quality software. The fact that this engages the attendee with a framework using Batman characters is just a bonus!