Software Testing. Clear Thinking. Practical Craft.

Hello, I’m Karen Nicole Johnson.

I test software. I write and speak about testing.

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

Recent

• Contributing author, Taking Testing Seriously (Wiley)

• Panelist, “Quality Talk” (Accenture)

The Tester’s Notebook

My current writing is published in The Tester’s Notebook, where I explore practical testing ideas, thinking frameworks, and the craft of software testing.

For current essays and reflections, see The Tester’s Notebook.

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.