In the IT world, there is a concept called QA (Quality Assurance) — these are the people who test a product for durability, usability, and compliance with standards. When I started developing the BuBuTales.net platform, I knew I would need a special specialist. Someone who wouldn't just find a "bug" in the code, but would feel with their heart whether the story "works."
That's how the strictest and most sincere tester appeared in our team — my little daughter.
Emotional feedback instead of dry reports
Professional testers write log files, but my daughter simply shines or turns away. This is our main quality criterion.
• Engagement test: If, while reading a draft of a new fairy tale about Disney heroes or anime characters, she freezes and starts asking questions — we are on the right track. If the child starts looking for a toy nearby, I understand: the plot needs to be "tweaked," adding dynamics or making the language simpler.
• Editing meanings: Thanks to my daughter, we adapt complex concepts. She teaches us to see the world through her eyes. If a fairy tale is educational but too preachy (boring), she is the first to let us know. We strive for every story on the site to be understandable without additional adult explanations.
Child-approved design
When I work on the site interface, I often call her to the screen. "Daddy, where is Elsa?" or "Oh, what a funny Pikachu!" These simple phrases are the best check for our visual identification. If a child instantly recognizes a hero in an illustration, it means our category system ("Cartoons," "Anime," "Games") works correctly. We select colors and pictures so that they evoke a desire in children not just to "click," but to immerse themselves in the story.
"Sleep mode" testing
One of the most important stages is evening reading. Here we check everything:
1. Typography: Is it convenient for me to read text from a smartphone in the semi-darkness of the room? Do the eyes get tired?
2. Audio accompaniment: When we test audio versions, my daughter listens to our voices. This helps us understand if we have chosen the right pace and if it is pleasant to fall asleep to such a story. If she falls asleep with a smile to our voiceover, the test is 100% passed.
More than just software
My daughter's involvement in the project changed the very philosophy of BuBuTales.net. We realized that we are creating not just a "site with texts," but a tool for communication between parents and children. This turns development into an exciting family game. When my daughter sees a new story on the site, she knows: she had a hand in it. It was her ideas, her reactions, and her favorite characters that helped make this world a little more magical for other children.
The conclusion is simple: the best products for children are created when the children themselves become part of the process. Our "QA tester" reminds us every day that behind every line of code there should be sincere emotion and parental love.
