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Comprehensive CMS Component Testing Process

A comprehensive guide to thoroughly testing CMS blocks and components to ensure quality and compliance with specifications.

1. Match Components with Specifications and CMS

Begin by thoroughly reviewing the component specifications and CMS field definitions to ensure they align with each other. Verify that:

  • All required fields defined in specifications are present in the CMS schema
  • Field types (text, images, links, etc.) match what's specified
  • Required and optional fields are correctly marked
  • Field limitations (character count, image dimensions) are properly implemented

2. Reference Design in Figma

Carefully review the Figma designs to understand the expected visual output:

  • Study the component in different states and variations
  • Note any responsive behavior specifications
  • Identify design elements like colors, typography, and spacing
  • Check for any design system references or component reuse

3. Create the Exact Component Based on Design

Implement the component precisely according to the design specifications:

  • Use the exact assets and content from the design
  • Implement all variants and states shown in the design
  • Match colors, typography, and visual elements precisely
  • Ensure the component is pixel-perfect in the reference viewport size

4. Test with Different Content and Assets

Validate the component's flexibility by testing with various content scenarios:

  • Test with minimum and maximum content lengths
  • Try different image aspect ratios and resolutions
  • Test with missing optional fields
  • Verify multilingual support if applicable
  • Test edge cases like extremely long text or special characters

5. Verify Against Acceptance Criteria

Methodically check that the component meets all defined acceptance criteria:

  • Go through each criterion line by line
  • Document evidence of compliance
  • Flag any discrepancies or ambiguities
  • Verify any functional requirements in addition to visual ones

6. Check Padding and Margin

Verify that spacing is implemented correctly across all breakpoints:

  • Measure padding within the component
  • Verify margins between this component and adjacent ones
  • Check that spacing scales appropriately on different screen sizes
  • Ensure consistent application of the design system's spacing guidelines

7. Validate Typography

Ensure all text elements conform to design specifications:

  • Verify font sizes match design specifications
  • Check font weights, line heights, and letter spacing
  • Ensure text alignment is correct
  • Validate that text scales appropriately across breakpoints

8. Test Accessibility

Ensure the component meets accessibility standards:

  • Verify proper heading structure and semantic HTML
  • Check color contrast meets WCAG AA standards (minimum)
  • Test keyboard navigation and focus states
  • Ensure screen readers can interpret content correctly
  • Verify all interactive elements have proper aria attributes
  • Test with assistive technologies when possible

9. Optimize Image Sizes and Performance

Validate that assets are optimized for performance:

  • Check that images are served at appropriate dimensions for each viewport
  • Verify image format is optimal (WebP, AVIF, etc. with fallbacks)
  • Ensure lazy loading is implemented for below-the-fold images
  • Test load times and overall component performance
  • Verify responsive image implementation (srcset, sizes)

10. Compare CMS Fields with Requirements

Perform a final cross-check between implemented CMS fields and requirements:

  • Verify that all required fields from the design are available in CMS
  • Check that CMS fields handle content constraints properly
  • Ensure CMS preview accurately represents the final output
  • Test the component with CMS-sourced content

11. Document and Request Changes if Necessary

If discrepancies are identified between requirements, design, and implementation:

  • Document the specific issues with evidence
  • Raise a formal change request for acceptance criteria or design
  • Provide clear recommendations for resolving inconsistencies
  • Follow the established process for change management

Testing Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure thorough component testing

Testing Area Key Verification Points Status
CMS Field Mapping All required fields exist, correct field types, validation rules match specs
Visual Design Compliance Matches Figma, correct colors, typography, spacing, assets
Content Flexibility Handles varying content lengths, image ratios, optional fields correctly
Acceptance Criteria All functional and visual requirements met
Responsive Behavior Functions correctly across all breakpoints, responsive spacing
Typography Correct font sizes, weights, line heights across all breakpoints
Accessibility WCAG AA compliance, semantic HTML, keyboard navigation, screen reader compatible
Performance Optimized images, lazy loading, efficient rendering
Edge Cases Graceful handling of extreme content, error states managed

 

How Thorough Component Testing Improves Project Quality

Our comprehensive CMS component testing approach provides several key benefits to your projects:

  • Reduced Development Iterations: Catching design discrepancies early reduces rework by up to 60%
  • Improved User Experience: Systematic testing ensures consistent, accessible, and responsive components across your digital properties
  • Enhanced Performance: Optimized components lead to faster page loads and better Core Web Vitals scores
  • Better Content Management: Well-tested CMS components ensure content editors can efficiently create and update content without technical issues

Need Help Implementing Component Testing?

Whether you need assistance establishing a component testing framework, training your team on best practices, or conducting independent QA on your CMS components, Vanitech can help you implement rigorous testing processes that ensure high-quality digital experiences.

Contact us or email us at [email protected] to learn more about our CMS component testing and quality assurance services.

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