UAT- Process of Running an Effective User Acceptance Testing Cycle Explained
Software testing is a very wide concept and is consisted of various testing types that ensure that the software meets the requirements and expectations. The various types of software test, integration test, system test, user acceptance test. Among these testing types, UAT is the only testing type that is performed by the end-users and helps businesses to gain feedback in real-time. Let us now try to understand this testing type and its process in more detail.
What is UAT testing?
It is a black box type of software testing method which is usually performed at the last stage of the software testing process. In this testing method, the software product is tested by the end-user/business user/product owner. It helps to ensure whether the product meets all business requirements as defined in the user story or not. This test ensures the preparedness of the software product for release in the production environment.
Why businesses need UAT testing?
Below mentioned are some of the reasons that will help you understand why this testing process is needed by businesses:
1. This testing process helps to validate whether the business requirements have been met or not as defined in the user stories
2. Identifies the bugs that were left unidentified during the previous testing process
3. This test reduces the chances of product failure post-production
4. Helps to validate the product from the end-users perspective who will use the product
What is the process of running an effective UAT test?
How to conduct UAT?
Let’s now look at the steps that are involved in performing this test:`
1. Plan: The first step of the testing process is to plan the concept, team, test duration, testing strategy, testing tools required if any, communication channel, etc. Also, a comprehensive UAT checklist is prepared at the beginning of the testing process
2. Execute: Next step is to execute the test. The test is done by the end-user/client/product owner. It can either be done at the client’s location or in a test lab
3. Document: Once the test is conducted prepare the test report make sure that the report clearly states the bug identified, bug resolved and feedback received from clients, and actions taken
4. Evaluate: In this step, compare actual goals with the pre-defined goals to ensure whether the predefined objectives have been met or not.
5. Report: This is the last step where the team members share their learning and give feedback so that the learning can be further implemented in the next project.
Conclusion: Every business wants to deliver a quality product to end-user to maximize their satisfaction and user experience. To ensure this business conduct a variety of tests on software to ensure that its meets business and user expectation. One such software test is UAT that is conducted in the last stage and is conducted by end-users. This helps businesses to receive feedback and suggestion from end-users regarding product quality improvement. Leverage UAT tests from a next-gen QA and software testing services provider to achieve high-quality products to deliver a seamless UX.
About the author: I am a technical content writer and I write articles on various IT-related topics. In this article, I have tried to share my views on the UAT testing process.