Automation testing helps in many ways, but it cannot detect all UI issues. Some bugs require human observation and real-time interaction. Here are some UI bugs that automation often misses but manual testers can identify.
1. Overlapping Elements & Layout Issues
- Some elements like buttons or text fields overlap, making them unreadable.
- This usually happens on different screen sizes or resolutions.
- Automation only checks if elements are present, not if they are positioned correctly.
2. Color Contrast & Readability Issues
- Text may be hard to read due to low contrast with the background.
- Automated tools check contrast ratios but cannot assess actual readability.
- A tester can quickly identify if the text blends too much with the background.
3. Hover and Animation Problems
- Hover effects may be missing or animations may lag.
- Automation checks if hover actions are triggered but does not verify smoothness.
- Testers can notice delays, flickering, or inconsistent behavior.
4. UI Clutter and Poor Design
- A crowded interface makes it difficult for users to focus on key information.
- Too many elements on a page can make navigation confusing.
- Automation does not check if the UI is easy to understand.
5. Scrollbar and Overflow Issues
- Some pages show unnecessary horizontal scrollbars.
- Content may extend beyond its container, cutting off important information.
- Automation does not verify whether scrolling is needed or if content is displayed properly.
6. Inconsistent Button and Link Behavior
- Some buttons look clickable but do nothing when clicked.
- Some links do not change appearance when hovered over.
- Automation only checks functionality but not whether elements behave as expected visually.
7. Text Truncation Issues
- Long text may get cut off, especially on mobile screens.
- Error messages may be partially visible, making it hard to understand them.
- Automation only checks if text exists but does not verify if it is fully readable.
8. Unclear Error Messages
- Some error messages are too generic or do not help users understand what went wrong.
- A message like “Invalid Input” does not tell the user what needs to be corrected.
- Testers can identify when an error message needs to be more specific.
9. Touch Issues on Mobile
- Some buttons may be too small to tap easily.
- Dropdowns that work on desktop may not respond properly on mobile.
- Automation tests simulated taps, but manual testing ensures actual usability.
Conclusion
Automation is useful, but it cannot replace manual testing for UI-related issues. Human testers can spot problems that affect user experience, ensuring the application is both functional and user-friendly.