# Test Design Techniques

> Systematic test design with boundary value analysis, equivalence partitioning, decision tables, state transition testing, and combinatorial testing. Use when designing comprehensive test cases, reducing redundant tests, or ensuring systematic coverage.

- Skill: `proffesor-for-testing/test-design-techniques` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 4 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds add proffesor-for-testing/test-design-techniques`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/proffesor-for-testing/test-design-techniques/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: proffesor-for-testing (https://skillmd.com/u/proffesor-for-testing)
- Updated: 2026-09-09
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/proffesor-for-testing/test-design-techniques

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# Test Design Techniques

<default_to_action>
When designing test cases, select technique by input type:
- Numeric ranges → BVA + EP
- Multiple conditions → Decision Tables
- Workflows → State Transition
- Many parameter combinations → Pairwise Testing
</default_to_action>

## Quick Reference Card

### When to Use
- Designing new test suites
- Optimizing existing tests
- Complex business rules
- Reducing test redundancy

---

## Agent-Driven Test Design

```typescript
// Auto-generate BVA tests
await Task("Generate BVA Tests", {
  field: 'age',
  dataType: 'integer',
  constraints: { min: 18, max: 120 }
}, "qe-test-generator");
// Returns: 6 boundary test cases

// Auto-generate pairwise tests
await Task("Generate Pairwise Tests", {
  parameters: {
    browser: ['Chrome', 'Firefox', 'Safari'],
    os: ['Windows', 'Mac', 'Linux'],
    screen: ['Desktop', 'Tablet', 'Mobile']
  }
}, "qe-test-generator");
// Returns: 9-12 tests (vs 27 full combination)
```

---

## Agent Coordination Hints

### Memory Namespace
```
aqe/test-design/
├── bva-analysis/*       - Boundary value tests
├── partitions/*         - Equivalence partitions
├── decision-tables/*    - Decision table tests
└── pairwise/*           - Combinatorial reduction
```

### Fleet Coordination
```typescript
const designFleet = await FleetManager.coordinate({
  strategy: 'systematic-test-design',
  agents: [
    'qe-test-generator',    // Apply design techniques
    'qe-coverage-analyzer', // Analyze coverage
    'qe-quality-analyzer'   // Assess test quality
  ],
  topology: 'sequential'
});
```

---

## Related Skills
- [agentic-quality-engineering](../agentic-quality-engineering/) - Agent-driven testing
- [risk-based-testing](../risk-based-testing/) - Prioritize by risk
- [mutation-testing](../mutation-testing/) - Validate test effectiveness

---

## Remember

**With Agents:** `qe-test-generator` applies these techniques automatically, generating optimal test suites with maximum coverage and minimum redundancy. Agents identify boundaries, partitions, and combinations from code analysis.