Defining quality is a complex task because its nature is inherently subjective. What’s considered quality can vary significantly across projects, clients, and even cultures, making it a non-standardized concept.

In the realm of computer science and software engineering, the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) offers two perspectives: “The degree to which a system, component, or process conforms to specified requirements” or “The degree to which a system, component, or process conforms to the needs and expectations of customers or users.”

Complementing this perspective, Pressman (2006, p. 580) defines software quality as “conforming to explicitly stated functional and performance requirements, explicitly documented development standards, and implicit characteristics expected of all professionally developed software.”

Software quality is intrinsically related to quality assurance. My research in this field led me to develop and document a process, UXDQA, which can offer a practical perspective on how to approach this assurance.

In the current landscape, the relevance of quality for business competitiveness has reached a new level. What was once seen as a differentiator is now an indispensable prerequisite for staying in the market, as pointed out by the DEVMEDIA website. With the immense and continuous demand for computer systems, organizations must consider quality a central and non-negotiable element at all stages of software development, aiming for the sustainability of their competitiveness.

In other words, software quality refers to the characteristics of a software product that determine its ability to satisfy the declared and implicit needs of the user. This covers aspects like:

• Functionality: Does the software do what it’s supposed to do, correctly and completely? If a banking app crashes frequently, that’s a sign of a lack of quality.
• Reliability: Does the software operate without failures under specified conditions and for a determined period?
• Usability: Is the software easy for the user to learn, use, and understand?
• Efficiency: Does the software optimize system resources (performance, response time, resource consumption)?
• Maintainability: Is the software easy to modify, correct, and adapt?
• Portability: This isn’t just about the technical ability to move the software; for the user, it means the expectation that it will work anywhere. This includes compatibility with different hardware and software configurations. The design should anticipate that the product is accessible and functional across various devices, avoiding user exclusion unless there’s a very clear business justification for it.
• Security: Does the software protect data and functionalities from unauthorized access?

In today’s dynamic software development landscape, characterized by an exponential demand for computer systems, quality has emerged as an undeniable factor for organizational competitiveness. It’s crucial to demystify the idea that artificial intelligence (AI) will solve all quality challenges. While AI can optimize processes and assist in fault detection, the responsibility for conceiving, designing, and ensuring the inherent quality of software remains an essentially human task, demanding discernment and meticulous attention.

Furthermore, it’s worth noting that quality itself is perceived differently by each stakeholder. While a user focuses on usability and the fulfillment of their needs, a developer might prioritize maintainability and the absence of bugs. Meanwhile, a product or project manager might be more concerned with cost, deadlines, and strategic alignment. This diversity of perspectives necessitates a multifaceted approach in the pursuit of quality.

• User: Their interest is primarily focused on using the software. They’re mainly concerned with ease of use, performance, the reliability of results, and the price.
• Developer: Quality is more geared towards the software’s internal characteristics. They also evaluate aspects of compliance with client requirements.
• Manager: Product quality cannot be separated from the organization’s interests, and they also control the development timeline.

Given this, we can recognize that software quality isn’t merely another requirement or a formality viewed as ‘boring’ by some developers or managers. Instead, it’s a fundamental necessity that permeates the entire process of developing computer systems, essential for achieving business objectives, project goals, and, importantly, user satisfaction.

The intersection of software quality and user experience (UX) is more than just a theoretical concept; it’s the bedrock of successful digital products. While they might seem like two separate fields, they are, in fact, deeply interdependent.

A beautifully designed interface means little if the underlying software is buggy, slow, or unreliable. Ultimately, the true test of any software lies in how well it performs and how seamlessly users can interact with it. Indeed, software quality is an essential pillar for a good user experience. Even the most innovative design can fail if the software has problems with functionality, reliability, or performance.

Let’s break down how these two crucial areas intertwine:

• Usability as a link: Usability is a crucial attribute of any digital product; it defines how easy user interfaces are to use. A product that is not easy to use or learn will quickly be abandoned by users. Moreover, usability is also one of the software quality principles outlined in the ISO/IEC 25010 standards. This principle includes user interface aesthetics, user error protection, and other attributes that need to be considered when designing a digital product.
• Impact on satisfaction: Bugs, slow performance, frequent errors, and confusing interfaces (all indicators of low software quality) inevitably lead to user frustration and dissatisfaction, often causing users to abandon a product. In contrast, quality software provides a smooth and reliable experience, boosting user satisfaction and loyalty.
• Trust and credibility: High-quality software conveys professionalism, trust, and credibility for a company. Quality issues can severely damage a brand’s image and erode user confidence.
• Efficiency and productivity: Efficient software allows users to complete their tasks quickly and without obstacles, significantly increasing their productivity.
• Accessibility: Software quality also ties into accessibility, ensuring that people with diverse abilities can effectively use the product. This is a vital aspect of both software quality and UX/HCI, fostering inclusive design.