Introduction:
Have you ever come across a minor issue in an app or a website and thought, "I should report this"? That's exactly what happened to me when I stumbled upon a front-end bug in Spotify's mobile app. This blog will take you through my bug-hunting journey, the bug itself, my motivations, and the opportunities it uncovered.
Section 1: The Bug Discovery
It all began when I noticed something amiss in Spotify's Premium user interface. A tiny glitch that might escape the eye of many but can have a significant impact on user experience. Let's take a closer look:
Bug Screenshot:
This visual anomaly was a misplaced <br>/ instead of <br/> in the code. To the untrained eye, this might seem trivial, but as a front-end engineer, I couldn't let it go unnoticed. Small details matter in design, and this bug was a testament to that fact.
Section 2: Reporting to Customer Support
I decided to report this bug directly to Spotify's customer support, thinking they might appreciate the attention to detail. Here's how the conversation went:
https://x.com/AswinBarath2/status/1721972258791432435?s=20
Engaging with customer support was an important step. It highlighted the role of user feedback in software development. Our conversation demonstrated Spotify's dedication to listening to its users' concerns.
Section 3: The Bug Details
Now, let's delve deeper into the bug itself, as explained in my tweet:
The bug involved a <br> tag, a line break in HTML, that was supposed to be invisible to users but was erroneously visible as <br>/. Moreover, the word "for" was missing in the context of the Premium Individual plan.
Such small discrepancies can be confusing for users, particularly those who aren't tech-savvy. This highlights the importance of meticulous coding and design in software.
Section 4: Why I Reported It
As a front-end engineer, I understand the significance of an optimal user experience. Even minor issues can affect how users perceive a service. That's why I promptly reported the bug. I believe in crafting seamless experiences, and this bug needed fixing.
Section 5: The Opportunity
Reporting the bug wasn't just about spotting an issue; it was also about seizing an opportunity. Here's how I expressed my intentions in a tweet:
I'd be thrilled to contribute further to Spotify and potentially join their team. If the opportunity arises, my email address is aswin2001barath@gmail.com. Exploring such opportunities is an exciting prospect for any developer.
Section 6: Creating Social Proof
Beyond the bug report, I aimed to create a social proof of my bug-reporting skills by sharing this journey on Twitter. It's not just about Spotify; it's about inspiring fellow developers to be vigilant and proactive when they encounter issues in the software they use.
Section 7: The Benefits of Fixing the Bug
Resolving this bug isn't just about cosmetics. It's about improving user experience, reducing confusion, and delivering a higher quality service. Even the tiniest bug fixes can have a profound impact on a product.
Section 8: Addressing Security Vulnerabilities
Moreover, bug reporting isn't limited to user experience; it can also contribute to enhanced security. Bugs are sometimes a window for vulnerabilities. By identifying and reporting them, we help create a safer online environment for everyone.
Section 9: Showcasing Your Resume
If you'd like to explore my qualifications and experience, you can find my developer profiles over here: https://linktr.ee/AswinBarath
I'm ready and eager to embrace new career opportunities.
Section 10: Conclusion
In conclusion, this journey is not just about a bug report but about the broader impact of vigilant users who take the time to provide feedback. I appreciate Spotify's quick response and hope this bug will be addressed soon.
I invite you to engage with my Twitter thread for a concise overview. Thank you for joining me on this bug-hunting adventure, and let's make the web a better place together!
Closing Thoughts:
If you've ever spotted a bug in an app or website, consider reporting it. Your keen eye and attention to detail can make a difference. Keep an eye on your surroundings, for you never know where opportunities may arise.
References:
- Twitter Thread: https://x.com/AswinBarath2/status/1721972731032285530?s=20
Top comments (3)
This is interesting, because the content could be tested automatically and monitored. It can help to verify, that some cases like these are not getting too long into the view of the user or even test changes after content updates.
I would love to see big platforms and their approach on these kind of tests.
Nicely done! Hopefully they will proceed to fix major usability issues as well although their fix might not be that obvious and unambiguous.
Thank you @ingosteinke
I agree, it's important for Spotify to improve usability. I love their app and their recommendation engine. Let's hope this bug report is a starting point to make the app more user-friendly!