User Acceptance Testing Checklist, Types and Best Practices
Many different factors influence how software is developed and produced in public. Some companies perform software development to a specific set of standards, while others use a more flexible approach to enhance the quality of the product/software.
However, regardless of the approach taken, User Acceptance Testing is a crucial component of the software development process.
Without a thorough understanding of UAT, any developer/programmer can easily overlook the faults and limitations of the software. These tests are so vital to the quality of the software that they are often designed to test the software for many different scenarios. The tests are designed to clear all the defects in the software.
This must've made you wonder about testing, right? Well, don't worry; we've got you covered! This article will guide you through how to perform UAT, the best tools and practices for performing UAT, and a comprehensive user acceptance testing checklist to stay ahead of the game!
Ensure you read until the end, as we also reveal your company's best user acceptance testing tools and services!
What is Meant by UAT?
User Acceptance Testing, or UAT, is a critical step in software delivery. The final testing phase is before a system is handed over to the user. UAT is used to ensure that the system being tested meets the user's requirements and specifications.
It also provides the designer and developer with a final opportunity to discover and address any issues with the system before it is handed over to the user for final testing and feedback.
Different Types of UAT
UAT includes several different types of software tests. The following tests are among them
1. Beta Testing
Groups of end users are given the software, who test it for its intended use and give developers feedback for enhancements.
2. Black Box Testing
End users test specific software features without access to the internal code using black box testing.
3. Operational Acceptance Testing
The software's predefined workflow and operational readiness are emphasized, including product compatibility, dependability, and stability.
4. Contracts Acceptance Testing
The project team defines the criteria and specifications for software testing in their contract.
5. Compliance Acceptance Testing
This test looks to see if the software complies with laws and rules.
How To Perform User Acceptance Testing?
1. Examine Product Specifications And Specify Key Deliverables
Planning for UAT begins with an analysis of the product requirements. The software requirements specification would be the primary input data source, containing the entire scope of business and functional requirements.
Business requirements are your organization's high-level goals that convey business needs. According to those words, customers should be able to use various payment methods.
2. Decide When and How to Conduct End-User Testing
Depending on your methodology, acceptance testing may occur at various points during the project, but it's usually done just before release at the end of the development cycle.
3. Form a UAT team and Gather Users
Depending on the project's particulars, users/testers may be subject matter experts, actual product end users, stakeholders, business analysts, the product owner, or the client. You can also use crowdsourcing websites or hire a freelance user-testing expert to find testers.
Consider developing a social media post or landing page to draw a crowd. Not all prospective testers should be proficient in technology or knowledgeable about software testing procedures. So, try all the moves you got before heading to the next steps.
4. Employ Testers and End-User Testing Tools
Once you've assembled the list of testers, you can begin designing the user testing methods. User acceptance testing tools can be expensive and time-consuming to set up and train, but they can save time and help you avoid setting up complex multi-step processes.
5. Make a User-Acceptance-Ready Training Environment
Jot down the following points when you start assembling your testing environment
- Describe the goals of the testing process to the users.
- If you plan to use end-user testing tools, teach users how to use them.
- Give them guidelines and standards for reporting.
- Make sure users comprehend test cases correctly and offer assistance as necessary.
- Give them access to the testing location.
6. Start the Tests
You are prepared to begin the tests once you have your test cases and scenarios. Deliver a clear understanding of the steps that must be taken in each test case. Remember that your users aren't trained testers. Don't use sample content or dummy buttons during the test; give the users accurate or nearly actual data. Any misunderstanding could keep them from completing the test case.
7. Reach The Right Conclusions
Gather Outputs, Address Bugs, and Run Additional Tests. All flaws must be documented with pertinent comments following UAT and given to the development team. They must modify the code to fix the problems that UAT has uncovered.
Retest them after fixing the bugs to ensure everything is operating as it should. The final acceptance decision regarding the product's readiness for production is made once the acceptance criteria have been met and approved by reviewers.
User Acceptance Testing Best Practices for Increasing Productivity
The following are some user acceptance testing best practices that contribute to the success of UAT:
- Drafting a UAT plan early on in the project's life.
- Before the UAT begins, prepare user acceptance testing checklists.
- Test a system or application using data and a scenario from the real world.
- While testing the system, start to think like an unidentified user.
- Pre-UAT sessions should be held as the system is being tested.
- Set clear expectations and specify the UAT's purview.
- Test the usability of your website.
- Before starting production, hold meetings and feedback sessions.
Jumpstart Your Software Development With AppSierra!
User Acceptance Testing is a vital part of software development. Poorly designed and executed UAT can jeopardize a project's success. This is where AppSierra's software testing services come into the picture.
AppSierra; is the leading provider of software testing services for businesses of all sizes.
Their vast array of software testing services includes:
- Agile Software Testing
- Compatibility Testing
- Functional Testing
- Regression Testing
- Performance Testing
- Automated Testing
- Usability and;User Acceptance Testing;(UAT)
- Localization Testing
At AppSierra, engineers work with a wide range of technologies featuring:
1. Front End
- React
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- HTML & CSS
2. Back End
- Node.js
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3. Mobile
- React Native
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4. UX & UI Design
- Sketch
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AppSierra's testing services are the most comprehensive solution in the industry. AppSierra has helped;500+clients in more than 20 industries achieve their goals and improve their processes by leveraging the power of testing and metrics.
With over 15+ years of industry experience, 470+ projects tested, and over 1015+ test automation suites, AppSierra is the trusted partner for all your software testing needs.
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Conclusion
Hence, UAT is an essential phase of the software development lifecycle. Without proper analysis of the UAT results, the project can be held back or even fail. To avoid this, developers must implement User Acceptance Testing to minimize the code's flaws and maintain quality.
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