Category: Strategy
Organisational-level test strategies and modern approaches – Some thoughts-in-progress
May 9, 2023
In a recent role I was given permission to share some of my test strategy work publicly. It was largely generic in nature, given its high-level focus, so I’m pleased to be able to share a bunch of notes that may help others orient to the rapidly-changing landscape. What’s not here, and which I *should* include, […]
How to write a test strategy
June 20, 2016
I’ve documented my overall approach to rapid, lightweight test strategy before but thought it might be helpful to post an example. If you haven’t read the original post above, see that first. This is the a sanitised version of the first I ever did, and while there are some concessions to enterprise concerns, it mostly […]
Tools for thinking about context – Agile sliders reimagined
June 3, 2016
Philosophically, I’m aligned to the context-driven testing view of the world. Largely, this is influenced by a very early awareness of contextual factors to success in my first job, and the wild difference between games testing and corporate testing roles that I had. Since 2003, the work of the context-driven school founders has been a […]
A reminder on what not do when you’re automating testing
October 12, 2012
Five years ago I wrote, somewhat flippantly, on automation failure, but apparently some people never noticed. It still seems relevant, so please go and read (or re-read) ‘Automate your way to ineffective testing with my twelve step program…‘
Test Strategy Mnemonics
October 12, 2011
Based on some current work, I’m going to need to extend my test strategy mnemonic to include ‘Accountabilities’. That gives me a ton of options, such as ‘Gated Script Rats’, ‘Script a test drag’, ‘Attracts Red Pigs’ or ‘Egad! Script tarts’. I’ll update once I’ve decided, but feel free to offer your favourites from the […]
Thinking about Test Strategy – A mnemonic device
July 21, 2009
I’ve recently been on the move a little, and have had a lot of chances to work on test strategy. I generally have historical documents to work from, but decided I should try to come up with a mnemonic device to ensure that I have all of the critical conversations that I need. One of […]
Planning to make use of learning – Incremental vs Iterative
January 25, 2008
During coffee with Agile-coach and all-round excellent guy Shane Clauson, in sympathy with yet another of my what’s-wrong-with-agile rants, he pointed me to this blog post from Jeff Patton: Don’t know what I want, but I know how to get it While my opinions diverge on some of what he says must be true, I […]
The Egg testing challenge, context and mission
August 17, 2007
Matt Heusser is describing his challenge to test various inanimate objects – An egg, a stapler, a salt shaker and a knife. Read it here, but be sure to come back for the rest of the problem. I’d now like you to spend a few minutes thinking about how you might go about testing an […]