WeTest.Athens 2026

In 1988, a book described a testing process defined as “simultaneous learning, test design, and execution.” The actual term Exploratory Testing (ET) was introduced in the 1990s by Cem Kaner.
 
By the 2000s, the approach was adopted more widely across the testing community. Rob first encountered ET in 2005 at a conference, an experience that changed his way of testing.
 
Today, nearly every book on software testing includes a reference to ET, and the approach has become increasingly mainstream. However, the term is also often misunderstood in the broader IT industry.
 
Rob will discuss topics about Exploratory Testing such as: What is real exploratory testing, what is exploring and where in your proces would you fit ET, where is exploratory testing most effective? Also what are different ET techniques for different purposes. We will go deeper into creating ideas, structure your plan with charters and focus on taking testnotes.
 
The workshop will be highly practical, focusing on testing of a software application. We’ll start by exploring and testing the software, followed by a deep dive into creating and refining test charters.
 
Using what we’ve learned, you’ll test again and iterate. In this way, Rob helps you learn both from your own experiences and from those of other attendees.
 
We’ll reflect on our learnings: what worked and what didn’t. We will have a “Wall of Good Ideas,” where we will post insights and suggestions. At the end you will have a collection of practical ideas to take back to work.