Learn how to demonstrate the value and impact of your testing activities and recommendations by using tips and techniques for effective test communication.

At Qualitia, we demonstrate the value and impact of our testing activities through quantifiable metrics like defect detection rates and test coverage, along with detailed case studies that showcase specific improvements for clients. We provide comprehensive reports tailored for stakeholders, linking testing outcomes to business objectives, and maintain a feedback loop to enhance product quality and customer satisfaction. Transparency in our testing processes ensures stakeholders can see the value added, affirming the effectiveness and alignment of our strategies with business goals.

Last updated on Jun 19, 2024

How do you demonstrate the value and impact of your testing activities and recommendations?

As a tester, you want to show that your work adds value to the project and the business. You want to communicate your test results and recommendations effectively and persuasively to your stakeholders. But how do you do that? In this article, we will explore some tips and techniques for demonstrating the value and impact of your testing activities and recommendations.

Key takeaways from this article

Set clear testing goals:

Begin by defining what you aim to achieve and how you'll measure success. Aligning your testing goals with project objectives ensures your efforts are focused and relevant.### *Tailor communication to audience:Customize your test reports and recommendations based on who will receive them. Using appropriate formats and language increases the clarity and impact of your message.

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1 Define your testing goals and metrics

Before you start testing, you need to define what you want to achieve and how you will measure it. Your testing goals and metrics should align with the project objectives and the stakeholder expectations. For example, you might want to test the functionality, usability, performance, security, or compatibility of the product. You might use metrics such as defect density, test coverage, test execution time, user satisfaction, or return on investment. By defining your testing goals and metrics, you can set a clear direction and a baseline for your testing activities and recommendations.

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Bianca Queiroz

QA Engineer | SFPC | CPRE-FL | ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level
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É importante destacar que sem metas e métricas seus testes podem ser apenas um conjunto de fluxos e cenários que não necessariamente cobrirão ou representarão importância no real uso do produto final. É preciso entender o que se irá testar e o que você busca garantir com esses testes, quais são seus objetivos como pessoa da qualidade atuante naquele produto e escopo.

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RISHIKESH KUMAR

Salesforce Community Group Leader Vaishali | Software Quality Assurance (QA) | Manual Tester | 3X Salesforce Certified | Mentor| Ex-NSS Group Leader & Campus Ambassador |Tech Speaker |
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Identifying the objectives of the testing effort, such as ensuring software functionality, performance, security, or usability. Selecting specific metrics or Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that align with each testing goal. Ensuring that chosen metrics are quantifiable, actionable, and relevant to the testing objectives. Setting benchmarks or targets for each metric to track progress and measure success. Regularly reviewing and refining testing goals and metrics based on project needs, feedback, and changes in requirements.

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Kumar Gaurav

Manager-Technology & Transformation - ET&P: SAP at Deloitte India
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I demonstrate the value and impact of my testing activities and recommendations by providing tangible evidence of improved quality, reduced risk, and enhanced user satisfaction. This includes presenting metrics such as defect detection rates, test coverage, and customer feedback to illustrate the effectiveness of testing efforts. Additionally, I highlight instances where testing has prevented potential issues or contributed to the delivery of a high-quality product on time. By aligning testing outcomes with business objectives and emphasizing the role of testing in achieving overall project success, I ensure stakeholders recognize the value and impact of testing activities and recommendations.

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2 Collect and analyze your test data

Once you have defined your testing goals and metrics, you need to collect and analyze your test data. Your test data should include both quantitative and qualitative information, such as test cases, test results, defects, feedback, logs, or screenshots. You should use tools and techniques to organize, visualize, and interpret your test data, such as spreadsheets, charts, dashboards, reports, or root cause analysis. By collecting and analyzing your test data, you can identify the strengths and weaknesses of the product, the risks and opportunities for improvement, and the value and impact of your testing activities and recommendations.

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RISHIKESH KUMAR

Salesforce Community Group Leader Vaishali | Software Quality Assurance (QA) | Manual Tester | 3X Salesforce Certified | Mentor| Ex-NSS Group Leader & Campus Ambassador |Tech Speaker |
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Collect test data generated during testing, organize it, cleanse and prepare it, select analysis techniques, perform analysis, interpret results, take action based on insights, and iterate for continuous improvement.

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3 Tailor your test communication to your audience

After you have collected and analyzed your test data, you need to tailor your test communication to your audience. Your audience might include developers, managers, clients, or users, each with different needs, interests, and preferences. You should use formats and channels that suit your audience, such as emails, presentations, meetings, or demos. You should also use language and tone that resonate with your audience, such as technical, business, or user-oriented. By tailoring your test communication to your audience, you can increase the clarity, relevance, and persuasiveness of your testing activities and recommendations.

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Bianca Queiroz

QA Engineer | SFPC | CPRE-FL | ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level
(edited)
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Além de executar um trabalho técnico em seu time, como testador, analista ou engenheiro de qualidade, é importante trabalhar sua habilidade de expressar para pessoas não técnicas, de forma simples e clara, o que foi feito. Tais pessoas podem ser gerentes de produto, comercial, marketing, seu cliente ou usuários finais que possam estar envolvidos. Invista em suas habilidades de comunicação e apresentação, pois poderão contribuir como um diferencial na sua carreira.

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RISHIKESH KUMAR

Salesforce Community Group Leader Vaishali | Software Quality Assurance (QA) | Manual Tester | 3X Salesforce Certified | Mentor| Ex-NSS Group Leader & Campus Ambassador |Tech Speaker |
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Tailor test communication by adjusting style, level of technical detail, and content to match the preferences and expertise of the audience, highlighting relevance, providing context, using visual aids, encouraging interaction, and ensuring clarity and conciseness.

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4 Highlight your test value and impact

When you communicate your test results and recommendations, you should highlight your test value and impact. Your test value and impact should show how your testing activities and recommendations contribute to the project and the business goals, such as quality, cost, time, or customer satisfaction. You should use evidence and examples to support your test value and impact, such as metrics, feedback, or case studies. You should also use benefits and outcomes to emphasize your test value and impact, such as reduced defects, increased performance, or improved user experience. By highlighting your test value and impact, you can demonstrate the return on investment and the competitive advantage of your testing activities and recommendations.

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5 Solicit and incorporate feedback

Finally, you should solicit and incorporate feedback on your testing activities and recommendations. Feedback can help you improve your testing process, product, and communication. You should seek feedback from different sources, such as stakeholders, peers, or users. You should also use methods and tools to collect and manage feedback, such as surveys, interviews, or feedback platforms. By soliciting and incorporating feedback, you can validate and refine your testing activities and recommendations, as well as build trust and rapport with your audience.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Rahul Chaudhari

Founder and CEO at Qualitia | Radically reducing Salesforce testing cycle time from weeks to hours for Fortune 5000 - saving precious time to market
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At Qualitia, we demonstrate the value and impact of our testing activities through quantifiable metrics like defect detection rates and test coverage, along with detailed case studies that showcase specific improvements for clients. We provide comprehensive reports tailored for stakeholders, linking testing outcomes to business objectives, and maintain a feedback loop to enhance product quality and customer satisfaction. Transparency in our testing processes ensures stakeholders can see the value added, affirming the effectiveness and alignment of our strategies with business goals.

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Bianca Queiroz

QA Engineer | SFPC | CPRE-FL | ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level
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Lembre que é muito importante para uma pessoa da qualidade: - Sempre buscar mais conhecimento técnico para aplicá-lo em seu dia a dia; - Saber se comunicar de forma clara e empática com seu time, para proporcionar um ambiente de colaboração; - Reforçar diariamente que a presença de testes e a busca pela maior qualidade do seu produto sempre trará benefícios para todos: você, seu time, sua empresa; E, por último, tenha em mente que você pode usar criativamente diferentes habilidades para contribuir e se destacar, sejam elas hard ou soft skills.

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Oscar Trejo

Software Testing Humanizer | Tech Empowerer | Creating High-Performing QA Teams with Gherkin & Agile
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In my experience, these steps are key to showcasing the value of testing activities: Present clear results with metrics like defect rate and response time. Document case studies that show significant improvements. Compare the software's state before and after testing. Include feedback from satisfied users. Highlight cost and time savings by identifying issues early. Finally, demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement. These steps ensure the value of testing is clearly understood.

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How do you demonstrate the value and impact of your testing activities and recommendations?

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1 Define your testing goals and metrics

2 Collect and analyze your test data

3 Tailor your test communication to your audience

4 Highlight your test value and impact

5 Solicit and incorporate feedback

6 Here’s what else to consider

Test Strategy

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