Web Applications for testing

Digital Playground

Live Application: nobuo.netlify.app

Overview

Digital Playground is a comprehensive collection of test web applications specifically designed for RPA (Robotic Process Automation) testing and troubleshooting. Built as a solution to the common challenge of testing automation scripts without access to customers’ internal systems, it provides a diverse range of UI elements and scenarios that mirror real-world applications.

Background

As a technical support engineer for RPA applications, I face a unique challenge: supporting customers who automate various web applications across different technologies and browsers, but whose target systems I cannot access for testing.

The Challenge:

  • Diverse Technologies - RPA needs to work with Java, HTML, iFrame, Dynamic HTML applications
  • Multiple Browsers - Chrome, Edge, Firefox compatibility requirements
  • Inaccessible Systems - Customer applications are internal and restricted
  • Limited Public Options - Finding similar public applications for testing is difficult
  • Spam Concerns - Continuous testing on public sites risks being flagged as malicious traffic

The Solution: Create a controlled testing environment that I can use myself and share with colleagues and customers, dramatically speeding up troubleshooting and issue resolution.

Key Features

  • Global Accessibility - Available anywhere in the world without VPN or credentials
  • Static Architecture - No databases or backend servers required
  • UI-Focused Design - Optimized for UI operations rather than business logic
  • Comprehensive Testing - Supports Click, Select, Input, Read, and other common RPA operations
  • Rapid Deployment - Easy addition of new test applications via CI/CD pipeline
  • Multi-Browser Support - Tested across Chrome, Edge, and Firefox
  • Diverse UI Elements - Various form controls, dynamic content, and interaction patterns

Real-World Impact

For Technical Support

  • Faster Issue Resolution - Immediate access to test environments
  • Better Customer Communication - Demonstrate solutions using accessible examples
  • Reduced Response Time - No waiting for customer system access
  • Improved Accuracy - Test scenarios that closely match customer environments

For RPA Development

  • Proof of Concept - Validate automation approaches before customer implementation
  • Training Environment - Safe space for learning and experimentation
  • Quality Assurance - Comprehensive testing across different scenarios
  • Documentation - Living examples of successful automation patterns

Conclusion

Digital Playground represents a practical solution to a real-world problem in RPA support and development. By creating a controlled, accessible testing environment, it bridges the gap between customer needs and technical capabilities, enabling faster issue resolution and better customer support.

The project demonstrates how simple, well-designed static applications can have significant operational impact. It’s not just a collection of test pages—it’s a comprehensive testing ecosystem that improves efficiency, reduces response times, and enhances the overall quality of RPA implementations.

Most importantly, Digital Playground embodies the principle of turning challenges into opportunities, creating value not just for individual use but for the entire team and customer community.

Project Status: Production (Active Development)
Live Demo: nobuo.netlify.app
Source Code: Available for internal team collaboration
Last Updated: January 2025