Why Is No One Talking About User Acceptance Testing?
This question recently crossed my mind as someone in QA and software development. Much is written about software development tools, productivity tips, and framework reviews.
But not much attention goes toward this type of software testing, called User Acceptance Testing, or UAT.
What Is User Acceptance Testing?
The last phase of the software testing process. During UAT, actual software users test the software to ensure it can handle the required tasks in real-world scenarios according to specifications. UAT is one of the final and critical software project procedures that must occur before newly developed software is rolled out to the market.
User acceptance testing (UAT), known as Beta, Application, or End-User Testing, is often considered the last phase in the development process, the one before the final installation of the software on the client site or final distribution of said software.
User Acceptance Testing Requirements
- Business Requirements must be available.
- Application Code should be fully developed.
- Unit Testing, Integration Testing, and System Testing should be completed.
- No Showstoppers or High or Medium defects in the System Integration Test Phase.
- Only Cosmetic errors are acceptable before UAT.
- Regression Testing should be completed with no major defects.
- All the reported defects should be fixed and tested.
- The traceability matrix for all testing should be completed.
- UAT Environment must be ready.
- Sign off mail or communication from the System Testing Team that the system is ready for UAT execution.
How to Get Started With UAT
Normally, UAT consists of four steps.
- However, it can vary based on whether the application is being delivered to a single customer or intended to be off-the-shelf software available for anyone.
- First, the criteria under which the software is considered ” working ” must be assembled. These will likely be collated from the system requirements and user stories.
- Next, a set of UAT test cases must be created. Centric defines a UAT test case as:
- A set of test steps, execution conditions, and expected results developed for a particular objective, such as to exercise a particular program path or to verify compliance with a specific requirement.
- Each case covers a specific usage scenario of the software. It is normally a set of actions the user can do to verify if the software worked as intended.
- With these in place, the tests must be run and the results recorded. Were the tests successful, or did defects result? Any bugs then need to be corrected and re-tested.
- Finally, an orderly sign-off must be completed, assuming everything works as expected. This is done more easily with an individual client, where they state that what they’ve received works as expected and meets their criteria.
The Best Tool for User Acceptance Testing
When considering User Acceptance Testing, you probably wonder, “Isn’t there a tool for that?”
There is. There are a few. An easy-to-use UAT solution helps verify whether a certain solution works for the user. When it comes to User Acceptance Testing, it’s less about functional requirements and more about how the user perceives your product and whether it works for the user.
Users can provide comprehensive feedback on your software by having a simple and easy-to-use feedback widget or any feedback form. UAT teams can easily gather qualitative feedback from users and testers with such tools.
