How To Conduct UAT Testing Step-By-Step

User acceptance testing (UAT) validates software testing, usually done at the end of a development cycle. Typically, UAT is conducted after system, integration, and unit testing. While software may pass these phases, it may still not be up to par with the requirements or user feedback. This can happen because conditions are unclear to developers or changes have not been made to the software before real-world use. UAT testing is a critical safeguard against developing software that does not work as expected.

Recruiting end-users

To conduct UAT testing is an essential step in the development process. Using business users to test software can reveal hidden bugs and ensure that the final product meets business requirements. The functional experts of a company oversee the technical side of the development process and interpret the results of a UAT. They can also provide valuable insight to the development team. If you’re considering conducting a UAT test, here are a few tips to help you.

Creating test scenarios

You should consider the business users’ input when designing the UAT tests. The UAT test scripts should be written based on user stories and acceptance criteria rather than on the product’s requirements. Users should review the scripts before they are executed because if they don’t, they may not realize that the system configurations don’t fit their processes. As a result, they may not run the tests correctly, and the testing results can derail the deployment process.

Recording test results

Whether you’re planning to roll out a new feature or just make some changes to your current product, UAT is an important step. Using these tests can reveal any hidden issues or flaws that need to be fixed. In addition, UAT results help you determine whether your solution will meet business needs or if further work is necessary to complete the project.

Signing off

There are some key aspects to consider when signing off on User Acceptance Testing (UAT) projects. First, if the project is successful, it indicates that the change has met the business requirements. It is also a good idea to record testing results and review them regularly to determine whether everything was tested effectively. Finally, using an external source for UAT can help reduce risks and failures while increasing the quality of the end product.

Managing test results

Managing test results is one of the most critical tasks during conduct UAT testing. The UAT team should independently record and review test results throughout the testing process. This way, issues can be caught early and dealt with immediately. Additionally, the production prerequisite requirements should be documented and clearly understood. Defects during UAT should be categorized into low, medium, and high impact issues. Low-impact items should be fixed before moving into production. High-impact items, on the other hand, should not be deferred.