Scenario Matrix Template

About

A Scenario Matrix Template for Spike Testing organizes test cases that evaluate how a system responds to sudden, sharp increases or decreases in load. Unlike stress testing, which looks for the breaking point under sustained heavy load, spike testing focuses on instantaneous load surges and the system’s ability to recover quickly.

This matrix ensures:

• The system can handle unexpected traffic bursts without crashing

• Response times and error rates remain within acceptable limits during spikes

• Recovery is quick once the spike subsides

• Auto-scaling or resource allocation mechanisms work effectively

Spike testing scenarios often simulate flash sales, breaking news events, viral social media traffic, and sudden API call bursts.

Template

Scenario ID	Scenario Description	Preconditions	Test Data / Inputs	Steps to Execute	Expected Result	Priority	Remarks
SPK-01	Sudden 10x traffic surge on main API	Baseline load established	Target spike user count	Ramp up users instantly to 10x normal	System maintains stability or degrades gracefully	High	Simulates viral traffic
SPK-02	Instantaneous high-volume DB queries	Database populated with large data	Heavy query set	Trigger large number of queries instantly	DB handles spike without major delays	High	Checks DB spike resilience
SPK-03	Multiple concurrent user workflows spike	Application with login/transaction	Virtual user scripts	Simulate full workflow spike	Workflows execute successfully under burst	High	End-to-end spike validation
SPK-04	File upload spike	File handling module enabled	Multiple large files	Upload all files simultaneously	Uploads complete or queue without failure	Medium	Validates I/O spike handling
SPK-05	External API spike handling	Sandbox API available	Burst of external calls	Send requests at maximum possible rate	System handles delays or rate limits gracefully	Medium	Ensures API integration stability
SPK-06	Spike with network degradation	Network simulation tools ready	High latency setup	Apply spike under degraded network	Performance drops gracefully, no crashes	Low	Real-world poor network condition
SPK-07	Auto-scaling validation during spike	Auto-scaling configured	Spike trigger threshold	Generate spike to trigger scaling	Additional resources provisioned in time	High	Tests cloud scaling readiness
SPK-08	Multiple spikes in quick succession	Load tool with custom pattern	Repeated spike pattern	Trigger spikes at short intervals	System remains stable through repeated bursts	Medium	Validates resilience to repeated surges
SPK-09	Recovery time after spike	Spike completed	Return to baseline load	Measure system stabilization time	System returns to normal quickly	High	Confirms quick recovery capability
SPK-10	Combined spike on multiple services	Multi-service environment	Service load profiles	Trigger spikes on multiple services	All services remain operational	Medium	Simulates multi-point failure risk