Rachel Kibler: If we can raise risks early, then we have less to do with the software itself

Rachel Kibler has been in the testing industry for nine years. Initially a lawyer, Rachel found this profession unfulfilling, and her love for logic and problem-solving led her to pivot into testing, where she discovered her passion for understanding systems and people. "I loved math," she shares, "and math just made sense to me. That’s why I chose testing." Rachel shares her thoughts on AI’s role in testing, acknowledging that while AI excels at finding efficient solutions from point A to point B, it lacks the human capacity for empathy, which she sees as crucial to understanding users' needs and complex real life problems. "What makes us human is our ability to have empathy and depth, to think about people in their daily lives. This human element in testing is what ensures that software meets users true needs." Software tested solely by tools often misses critical insights into human interaction: "If we can identify risks early, we’ll have less rework with the software itself," Rachel notes, underscoring the proactive role of testers in product development. Rachel believes that to expand our knowledge, we should delve into fields such as psychology, design, history, biographies, and even art documentaries to gain new insights into human behavior and creative problem-solving. To maintain focus and balance, she emphasizes good sleep and a natural daily rhythm, often listening to podcasts while doing chores and finding energy in waking without an alarm. For Rachel Kibler, testing goes far beyond tools and code, it's about understanding, empathizing, and building software that truly serves people. Our host is Alex Mocioi, a professional with 20 years of experience in software engineering and 10 years of experience in tech training. Shift Happens podcast is supported this season by Mindera - Romania, leader in software development.