Testing often gets relegated as an afterthought, but having a clearly defined strategy aligned to project goals is vital for software success. As an industry veteran who has spearheaded QA initiatives for over 10+ years across diverse technology stacks, I aim to demystify the art of devising an airtight testing game plan tailored to your needs.
Let‘s dive right in!
Why a Strong Test Strategy Matters
Companies who invest in quality testing see a range of benefits including:
- 34% faster time-to-market for critical functionality
- Up to 41% drop in total cost of quality
- 29% rise in customer satisfaction levels
As shown by recent research from Capgemini, having clear testing objectives and an actionable plan to meet them pays major dividends across business critical metrics.
The diagram below gives an overview of the core components needed to build out a comprehensive test approach.
We‘ll be exploring each of these pillars in greater depth through the rest of this guide. Buckle up!
10 Key Ingredients for Test Strategy Success
Through the hundreds of test planning initiatives I have been a part of, I have distilled down the formula to a 10 step framework covering all bases. These elements can serve as useful checkpoints as you craft your own test ambitions.
#1 Clearly Define Goals and Scope
Having unambiguous focus areas and boundaries is crucial to an efficient testing effort. Drill down to specifics on metrics being measured, outcomes being targeted and depth/breadth of functional domains included. Rightsize to only necessary areas.
#2 Perform a Risk Analysis
Identify vulnerabilities that could undermine program objectives by analyzing across these risk categories:
- Functional Risks: Failure to meet documented specs
- Performance Risks: Issues meeting non-functional benchmarks
- Security Risks: Exposure of data or system weaknesses
- Compliance Risks: Non-adherence to regulatory standards
Map out probability and impact of each. This will guide test prioritization later.
#3 Determine Techniques and Types
Outline the specific testing types aligned to your goals whether functional, performance, automation, user acceptance testing etc. Further detail out applicable techniques for each – boundary analysis, decision tables etc.
#4 Define Environment and Infrastructure
Detail out all test hardware, software, tools, data and configurations needed to simulate production environments and use cases.
#5 Establish Exit and Entry Criteria
Define ahead of time what conditions determine readiness to start testing as well as predetermined milestones that signal testing completion. Leverage risk analysis and historical baselines.
#6 Integrate with Development Methodology
Ensure approach syncs with development practices chosen – waterfall, iterative or agile. Fine tune test cycles, automation triggers and stakeholder signoffs accordingly.
#7 Develop Timeline with Milestones
Create comprehensive logistical plan covering end-to-end test activities right from strategy conception through to closure reports. Build in buffers, test cycles and plan for regression.
#8 Assign Skills and Resources
Determine manpower, hardware and tooling needed to orchestrate strategy. Start early on acquiring and ramping up appropriate resources. Leverage cloud where possible for flexibility.
#9 Design Reusable Test Suites
Invest in building modular libraries of functions, process flows and test data that you continuously augment. These form a rich bedrock to build automation frameworks on top of over time.
#10 Continuously Improve Processes
Add post-mortems after each test milestone to refine techniques, stay on top of new frameworks and fold learnings back into strategy via a feedback loop.
While the checklist above provides structure, execution depends hugely on the development methodology you follow…
Adapting Test Strategy to Development Models
The system development life cycle you follow – whether traditional waterfall or iterative agile – significantly influences how testing dovetails together.
Here is how I tweak my test management approach for these three main styles:
Waterfall
- Test planning happens early along with specifications
- Clear phases with big bang testing towards end
- Rigorous documentation and signoff driven
- Limited flexibility for change so regression risk is key
Iterative
- Progressive test planning as functionality gets built
- Multiple iterative test execution cycles
- Promotes continuous improvement
- Still driven by documentation
Agile
- Just-in-time planning. Reviewed regularly.
- Tightly aligned to sprints and user stories
- Automation embedded early via CI/CD
- Fast feedback loops. Low documentation overhead.
As you evolve test techniques, be sure to continuously align to delivery practices chosen to extract maximum synergy.
Now that we have covered the blueprint, next I share my handy test strategy template to give you a head start…
Download My Comprehensive Test Strategy Template
I always believe in equipping readers with practical tools that they can immediately apply on their projects.
To help you hit the ground running, here is a multipage test strategy document template covering all the key aspects we just discussed.
Feel free to tailor it further to meet your unique needs!
Now over to you. Based on the guidelines presented, I‘m excited to see the test strategy you are able to craft for your next mission critical system!
Stay tuned for more expert testing best practices coming your way shortly. Until next time…
To your testing success!
