Test Automation Architecture: Layered Design Patterns for Scalable Frameworks
Scalable test frameworks have layers. Each layer has one job. Changes in one layer do not break others. Here is the architecture that survives 1000+ tests.
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Contents
The 5-Layer Architecture
| Layer | Responsibility | Changes When |
|---|---|---|
| Test Layer | Test scenarios and assertions | Requirements change |
| Module Layer | Business flow orchestration | Workflows change |
| Page Layer | UI element interaction | UI changes |
| Utility Layer | Helpers (API, data, logging) | Infrastructure changes |
| Config Layer | Environment, browser settings | Deployment changes |
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Folder Structure
src/
config/ # Environment, browser configs
utils/ # API helper, data factory, logger
pages/ # Page Objects (UI elements)
modules/ # Business flows (compose pages)
tests/
smoke/ # Fast critical paths
regression/ # Full coverage
api/ # Backend validation
playwright.config.tsDependency Rule
Dependencies flow downward only: Tests → Modules → Pages → Utils → Config. Never upward. A Page Object never imports a test. A utility never imports a page.
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