Your Custom Software Not Living Up To Its Potential?

User Acceptance Testing (UAT) is the process of validating that the software meets the business requirements and is ready for deployment in a real-world scenario. Its main objective is to confirm the product works as intended and is user-friendly. UAT is typically performed by actual end-users or clients who represent the target audience for the product. Here at Lightning Kite we go a step further and integrate product testing against the UAT before the software is released for client testing. We feel this benefits both us and the client.

I will concentrate on four main reasons: Real-world Testing, Business Requirements, Risk Reduction, and Improved User Experience. First, while developers and testers ensure technical functionality, UAT allows the real users to confirm if the product truly works for them.

Developing a UAT plan allows the client and the engineering team to develop clarity around requirements. Having a specific functionality test plan helps developers write the software to fill the needs of their client, thus making it important in real-world testing. UAT also validates whether the product satisfies business needs, objectives, and user demands. Because there is a plan in place it is much easier to meet the clients' requirements. It also helps identify any remaining issues that might affect users after launch, reducing the risk of customer dissatisfaction or product failure. Finally, UAT allows for direct feedback from end-users which leads to better functionality and ease of use.

There are six basic steps to the UAT process: 1. Planning a. The client defines the scope of UAT, which features or components need testing, and the criteria for success.
b. The client prepares test cases based on real-world scenarios that users will encounter. 2. Test Environment Setup a. The software company works closely with the client to ensure the UAT environment mirrors the production environment as closely as possible.
b. The software company works closely with the client to Install the latest version of the software and any dependencies required for testing. 3. Test Case Design a. The client develops test cases that reflect realistic usage, business workflows, and expected outcomes.
b. The software company and the client use both positive and negative test cases (valid and invalid inputs). 4. Execution a. The software company has testers separate from the developers who test against the UAT.
b. The client ensures end users execute the test cases in a structured environment.
c. UAT participants document any issues, bugs, or mismatches with business requirements. 5. Defect Management a. The client and the software company work together to track and prioritize defects found during testing.
b. The software company development teams fix issues and deliver updates for retesting. 6. Sign-off a. The software company signs off when they feel they have produced the software to meet the clients need.
b. The client then, once testing is successful and the product meets expectations, stakeholders sign off on the product’s release.

What are some best practices for a Successful UAT?

There are six basic practices that I will discuss:
1. Early Involvement of Users
Engage users in the planning and test case design phase to ensure the tests reflect actual user experiences. Early involvement of users helps both in educating them of the new product, but also allows them to give input in the design.
2. Clear Communication
Ensure testers are clear on the goals of UAT and the acceptance criteria. Clear communication is essential in developing software.
3. Realistic Scenarios
Test the product with scenarios that mimic actual use cases and workflows. This will allow for realistic scenarios.
4. Manage Expectations
Focus on user experience and business requirements - UAT is not a time for discovering bugs that were missed in earlier testing phases. Managing expectations is essential in meeting deadlines and receiving the desired product.
5. Well-defined Feedback Process
Establish an easy and efficient method for testers to provide feedback on their experience. Having a well-defined Feedback Process is helpful both to the developers and the client to ensure the software provides the desired solutions.
6. Collaboration with Development Teams
Close collaboration between business users, QA testers, and developers is essential to quickly resolve issues that arise during UAT.

What tools are available to make UAT successful?

Although there are several tools available for UAT testing, such as JIRA, Test Rail, Zephyr, or UserTesting, with the proper planning and user adherence, a spreadsheet can work just as well. The share features in MS Office, or Google Sheets make it handy to share and collaborate. The real keys to making the UAT successful are: engaging the right testers, providing clear guidelines, monitoring progress, and acting on feedback. The fact of the matter is that we can customize a testing plan to your needs and interests.

Selecting users who truly represent the target audience and who are familiar with the business processes will engage the right testers. Ensure users understand the scope of UAT and their role in the process will help provide clear guidelines. Keeping track of issues, progress, and completion rates to ensure UAT is on schedule will help monitor the progress of the software. Prioritizing issues based on user feedback and fixing critical defects before release will ensure the software delivers the desired solutions.

Final Thoughts

Delivering a high-quality product that meets user needs is the goal of the software company. This can be achieved by using the UAT. The UAT acts as a safety net, reducing the risk of launching a product that doesn’t perform as expected. It is very important that clients start planning their UAT early in the development cycle and to follow best practices for a smooth process.