Software Testing. Clear Thinking. Practical Craft.

I’m Karen Nicole Johnson. I test software and write about the craft.

My work centers on hands-on exploration of complex systems and thoughtful software testing.

The Tester’s Notebook

I write The Tester’s Notebook, where I explore practical testing ideas, thinking frameworks, and the craft of software testing.

On Substack, subscribe to The Tester’s Notebook.

Recent

• Contributing author, Taking Testing Seriously (Wiley)

• Panelist, “Quality Talk” (Accenture)

Speaking & Writing

I speak and write about software testing practice, with an emphasis on hands-on exploration and clear thinking.

Selected publications and presentations are listed on the relevant pages.

Background

I began my career as a technical writer before moving into software testing — a field that became my long professional focus.

Over the years, I have worked as a tester, test lead, manager, consultant, Director of Quality, and Director of Engineering.

I have led testing efforts across complex and high-risk systems, working with teams to understand how systems behave, how they fail, and how quality improves through disciplined thinking.