Acceptance Testing (UAT) is a type of quality tests that is performed at the end of an online product development process. The test is performed as a closing phase, following the completion of a functionality test (such as ‘can the buttons be pushed?’ or ‘do the pages open’?) by the product development team dealing with Quality Assurance. The test focuses on whether the product address the users’ needs and the original business goals.
The test is performed by the client that requested the development such as the business, to ensure that the product operates optimally in terms of appearance, content display and usability. Furthermore, incorporating other developments/components related to the process is considered before launching to edge customers. This test is an essential stage that ensures that only products that meet the organization’s standard complete the development process and are approved for launch.
The advantages of running UATs
Customer satisfaction: the product was developed for edge customers. UATs ensure that the product indeed serves the purpose for which it was designed and reduce the chance that the product will face malfunction when used, in turn contributing to a positive UX.
Saving time: if the product doesn’t meet the customers’ demands, it will have to be returned to development. It will take time to detect the defects and then perform the necessary alterations. This will certainly waste both the development team and the customers’ precious time.
Cost effective: after launching the product, it is much harder to perform changes to product development in terms of resources and costs. A UAT ensures that the product will reach the customers fully functional to prevent further costs from being allocated for the purpose of fixing it.
Hereby is a description of the UAT’s five stages. These stages are relevant to any project. However, their focus is adapted to the nature of this stage in the development lifecycle.
Planning:
Defining the test’s scope
Defining a schedule for starting and completing the texts, according to the planned product launch date. Furthermore, defining a schedule for fixing defects and another test following said fixing.
Allocating a team of UAT testers and team manager to supervise the process. These testers should be skilled, experienced and well versed in both the products and the business demands.
Setting up a work environment in which the tests will be performed.
Writing scenarios and instructions for performing the tests including predicted outcome, as well as manuals for using and operating the product.
Formulating a method for documenting the essence of these tests and reporting defects for a recheck.
Performance: Once the tests are planned, they can be performed, then reviewed to debate proceeding to the product launch stage. The tests should be efficient, covering all possible scenarios that may occur when the product will be in use, performed while maintaining ongoing communication between the testers and the development team for fixing bugs in case such were detected.
Documentation: Documenting the successful tests and the defects requiring fixing in order to keep an eye on the process’s progress. Orderly documentation is the basis for improving current and future test results.
Authorization: after ensuring all tests were completed, including fixing the defects and rechecking them, it is safe to authorize this product as one that meets organization standards and authorize the developments to be launched.
Conclusion and lessons learned: concluding the activity and analysing the results of the UATs in terms of following the schedule, test quality, and the overall conduct of all those involved in the project: testers, developers, and project managers. Thus, we can retain the process’s strengths as well as identify shortcomings and define improvement strategies to be implemented in the future UATs.
In conclusion, a successful product is one that meets the customers expectations and is compatible with its purpose. When we perform the relevant tests, including User Acceptance Testing, we ensure positive User Experience and the overall satisfaction of our customers.
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