Before businesses launch products into the world, it’s critical they go through the proper development processes to ensure every aspect is running smoothly. Typically, user acceptance testing (UAT) is the final step in the product quality assurance process. During this last development phase, teams will test for optimization and real-world usage before ultimately releasing it to end-users.
If you’re hoping to improve your user acceptance process, consider partnering with a trusted UAT testing provider like XBOSoft for high-quality help. Additionally, read on for six steps to establishing a successful UAT testing experience.
Plan and establish clear expectations
Laying out the framework of your user acceptance testing is essential to staying on track and focused on the end goal. Unfortunately, UAT can be counterproductive without adequate planning, leaving you with skewed or unusable results. While planning essential tests, consider the following elements:
- Time management tactics
- Fulfilling staffing requirements
- Streamlined communication avenues
It may be helpful to create a UAT checklist before you dive too deep into the process and get lost in the logistics. That way, you can remain objective-driven and on-task when testing your product for end-users.
Devise the test
The ultimate objective of UAT testing is to evaluate whether or not a product can handle regular business requirements in real-life situations. With that in mind, testing conditions should represent real-world user experience.
Try to avoid incorporating too much business-oriented lingo and focus primarily on the quality of the tasks you set up rather than drowning in high quantities.
Identify appropriate test participants
It’s imperative that businesses identify and retain suitable test subjects to participate in UAT testing efforts. Try to avoid enlisting professional testers as they may misrepresent those who regularly use the product.
Administer the test
There are several ways to administer a UAT depending on your business's needs and launch objectives. In instances where you provide products used throughout the world, taking advantage of interactive video software— like Zoom or Skype — will be most beneficial.
However, if your target market is more centralized, inviting users to participate in in-person testing is a promising avenue for gathering quality data.
Interpret test results
Once you’ve administered each test, it’s time to interpret the results and face any errors head-on. Non-professional testers often lack the exact vocabulary to identify specific problems, so take ample time to read through and analyze each UAT, conducting after-test interviews as necessary.
Convey observations
As the party responsible for administering a test session, follow-up action is vital for completing the process. Share testing results with the product team so they can analyze the information and make necessary alterations before launch.
That way, each team will stay up-to-date on any changes and prepare to enter into the final stages of product development
Before you go
UAT testing allows you to determine and amend any lingering defects your product may contain. When businesses overlook or perform inadequate UAT, they run the risk of consumer dissatisfaction and frustration, incurring immense costs.
By conducting thorough and productive UAT testing, you can rest easy knowing your product is user-approved and ready to hit the marketplace.
