Effective User Acceptance Testing

Part 1: What UAT Is and Is Not
We will begin by describing how UAT differs from other software testing and how it fits into various software development lifecycles (including Waterfall and Agile). Along the way, we'll define a variety of key terms and identify the players.

Part 2: Understanding the Business Need
Business Need has many dimensions from correct computations to ease of use. We will explore each of those dimensions so you can ensure that your UAT addresses each of them in an appropriate way.

Part 3: What Could Go Wrong?
Of all the things we could test, which should we focus on? We will apply Risk-Based testing to focus our UAT where it will be most valuable.

Part 4: "U" is for User
Effective UAT includes testing from the standpoint of all of the users (both active and passive ones). We will discuss ways to identify all of the users and ensure that their viewpoints are included in our UAT.

Part 5: Incremental UAT
UAT is usually the final gate before deployment, but any problems found at that point in the project can be costly and time-consuming to correct. So we will introduce an incremental approach to UAT that can be integrated into any software development lifecycle (even Waterfall). This incremental approach enables you to identify issues earlier (when they are easier to fix), and reduces the likelihood of unpleasant surprises at the project's end.

Part 6: Preparing Test Data
Good tests require appropriate test data. We will discuss how to identify and prepare test data that will enable good Acceptance Testing. Along the way we will discuss the limitations, dangers and (in some cases) illegality of using production data for testing, and we will look at options for addressing those issues.

Part 7: The Acceptance Test Plan
As the old adage says, "Fail to plan; plan to fail." The plans for UAT will be different from those for other testing activities. We will provide guidance for UAT plans, including how to find the "sweet spot" of providing enough guidance to ensure effective and repeatable tests, while enabling the testers to exercise the system as they will use it after it is deployed.

Part 8: Performing UAT
Testing is more than just using a computer. We will provide guidance for how Acceptance Testers should operate while performing UAT. We will discuss following UAT plans as well as going beyond them to explore how the system works. We will also discuss evaluating test results, reporting issues and raising questions.

Part 9: "A" is For Acceptance
We will finish with a discussion of deciding if the system is acceptable or not. We will explore this both from each tester's perspective, and for UAT as a whole. Along the way, we will talk about "minor" defects, unresolved issues, and what it means for the system to be "good enough" in a particular context.