Interview with a Betabound All-Star: Dennis S

Betabound, in its current iteration, has now been around for a decade and throughout the years has been the best place to discover new beta testing opportunities. Many great testers have left their mark on the site and shaped it into a place for companies of any size to host their beta test. 

Starting this month, we wanted to bring back our Betabound All-Star interview series! Every other month we will be showcasing a top Betabound tester who has a lot to say about their years of beta testing experience. Today we are interviewing Dennis S, who has been a beta tester for over two decades! His career as one of the first computer graphic developers has helped him appreciate how beta testing has evolved over time.

An Interview with Dennis S

What got you into beta testing?

From the mid-1980s to the late 90s, I helped develop the first computer graphic systems. I’m an artist and my input into human factors – the interfaces, functions, navigation through menus, etc – was my main job. As the industry grew, I alpha and beta-tested the newest hardware and software all around the world. I was even part of the team that evaluated Photoshop before it was released to the public.

I enjoyed all of this work tremendously. In the mid-90s I shifted into freelance graphic design and had a wonderful career in Manhattan, but I missed beta testing. When I heard of Betabound (I knew it as Centercode at the time) I began applying for tests!

How did you feel the first time you were selected for a beta test?

I was thrilled and eager. It took several months, perhaps almost a year, before I was selected.  But I was patient and kept applying for opportunities, and it paid off.  It was exciting and rewarding to experience that feeling of being on the “inside” of product development and to once again be able to use my knowledge and experience to contribute something meaningful.

What’s been your favorite part about being a beta tester?

I think I love that feeling of “being on the inside” the most. The technology industry exploded and changed dramatically over the past few decades, creating a market saturated with tons of products. Not all of the designs were user-friendly. 

In my career, I found that engineers weren’t always the best designers of interfaces and form factors for the average users, and my role as a liaison helped bridge that gap. To continue that with Centercode/Betabound was very rewarding, especially with the number of well-known and respected companies. When you uncover a bug or suggest a feature that’s implemented, it gives you a very satisfying feeling of being part of something. That’s more exciting than simply being a product user and not feeling that you can contribute to improving it.

“You could say it’s ‘elite’ to be a tester for Betabound.”

What makes being a beta tester for Betabound unique?

Betabound has been around for a very long time and consistently served very prominent companies along with scores of newer or smaller companies, so there is a broad and diverse range of opportunities that I think is unmatched by other beta-testing services.  I guess you could say it’s “elite” to be a tester for Betabound. 

Over the years I’ve tested a huge variety of audio/video devices and services, storage solutions, photography equipment, printers, housekeeping equipment, and even cookware! 

What motivates you to keep devoting your time to beta testing?

Mostly the fun of it and the feeling of making a difference. Sometimes depending on what’s going on in life, it’s easier to participate than other times, but it’s always rewarding.  When I tell people about testing (always adhering to NDAs) most people think it’s the incentives that motivate me.  But although that’s always nice (sometimes VERY nice!), it’s the participation that’s the most motivating.

How do you hear about new beta tests to apply for?

I get email notices, but also regularly check Betabound’s website for new opportunities. The emails notify me about more prominent projects, but the website contains scores of opportunities. Many of them accept testers right away without the selection process, so there’s always something to be a part of.

Any advice you would give to newer beta testers?

Oh yes, several things! The first is patience.  It may take a while to be considered for your first project. There are a lot of applicants for projects, some of which are limited, so it’s only a small percentage of opportunities that you may be invited to.  So keep applying and don’t be discouraged.

It’s also very important to maintain a detailed and updated profile. There’s also usually a “What would make you a good tester?” section in the application, so don’t skimp on that.  Let them know your experiences, skills, and interests. Once you’re selected for a project, be actively involved.  There are minimum requirements but go above and beyond that. That will make you more likely to be selected again.

There’s one more important thing that I’ve learned over the years as well. Only apply for projects that you know you’d be very interested in and have the time for.  Don’t just apply for everything, and don’t just apply for something with the thought that you’d end up with a free product or gift card. If you’re invited to a project that you end up not very interested in, it will make it hard for you to participate to the level you should be committed to. This shouldn’t feel like a drudge!

What do you like to do for fun?

I’m an artist, so I enjoy creative things. I’m also on the older side, so I’m not so much into a club or crowd scene, but I love smaller groups of my great friends.  I like to write and am developing a couple of podcasts.  I really love trying to be funny, though I probably think I’m funnier than my friends do.  I also love naps.