Harsha
Sep 02, 2024
2,148
15 mins
Table of Content
The complex world of software development spans many industries and varied business needs. But the eventual outcome remains firmly singular - the final product should meet the users’ expectations. This is the value proposition of User Acceptance Testing. It serves as the critical final phase that bridges the gap between development and real-world application.
In this post, I will be talking about what is user acceptance testing. Let us learn a bit more about the various test types and the objective behind them. I will also list a few user acceptance testing examples.
Application testing or User Acceptance Testing is the last stage of any software development cycle. It is the stage where the actual end users put the software through its paces. This type of scrutiny helps the tester verify if it meets their functional needs as expected in real-world scenarios.
In other words, we can say that this type of evaluation checks adherence to the company’s business requirements. The main goal of User Acceptance Testing is to validate end to end business flow.
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In my experience, there are many ways in which User Acceptance Testing can present benefits. But this process is often overlooked by many developers. It is seen as an unnecessary and time-consuming process. But this thought is far from the truth. User Acceptance Testing can tremendously enhance the quality of the final software ready to be released publicly. It can also increase the overall acceptance rate of new software.
Think about this- Will you ever drive a car that has not been tested before? Of course not! Similarly, businesses will not take risks by going for software that has not been tested before.
This approach of checking the application adds several layers of value. You will ensure the software works in accordance with a predetermined test plan. Hence, in my opinion, this type of check is clearly something that developers need to take seriously.
User acceptance testing is not a one-time event that concludes at the end of a project. Instead, it extends beyond the initial business application projects. It includes-
Also Read: Software Testing Strategy
Now that you know what is user acceptance testing, let’s focus on its goals. According to me, there are various objectives of User Acceptance Testing. Here are a few notable goals-
Also Read: What is a Value Proposition?
In addition to knowing what is user acceptance testing, you should also know about its various types. Now, I will take you through the five different types of User Acceptance Testing.
1. Alpha and Beta testing: Alpha Testing typically occurs in the development space. It is usually conducted by an internal testing team or staff. Testers check the app well before it is released to external testers or customers. Potential user groups might also participate in Alpha Testing. But the key point is that it occurs within the development environment.
Beta Testing is also known as field testing. It takes place in the customer’s zone. This involves thorough testing by a group of customers who use the system in their settings. The beta testers present feedback to help further fine-tune the product. Both Alpha and Beta Testing are conducted before the software is released in the market.
2. Regulation Acceptance testing: Regulation Acceptance Testing is also referred to as Compliance Acceptance Testing. It evaluates whether the software adheres to all relevant regulations. This includes- governmental stipulations and business objectives.
3. Contract Acceptance Testing: Contract Acceptance Testing is a key phase in software development. Here, the tester checks against specific criteria and specs in a contract.
The testing team chalks out these specifications during the contract negotiations. It is to ensure that the software meets the client’s expectations and fulfils all contractual obligations. This process helps validate the developed software meets the agreed-upon standards and requirements.
4. Operational Acceptance Testing: It is also referred to as Operational Readiness Testing or Production Acceptance Testing. These UAT test cases ensure that workflows are established for the effective use of the software or system.
This includes workflows for
5. Black box testing: This type of scrutiny is often categorized as a functional user acceptance testing tool. It is a type of User Acceptance Testing to some extent. This testing method evaluates specific functions. It does not reveal the code to testers. Black Box Testing is aligned with UAT principles. Both of them focus on ensuring the software meets the stated business needs.
During Black Box Testing, users are not aware of the code base but only of the requirements the software must fulfil. Testers do not need specific knowledge about the application or its features. They only need to understand what the software is supposed to achieve, not how it accomplishes it.
Many QA and development teams frequently use Black Box Testing for their UAT efforts and integration testing.
When you carry out User Acceptance Testing, you may have to go through many key steps. With these steps, you can be assured that an update or new feature fulfils the requirements of the end-user. Here are some tasks that a tester focuses on-
1. Prepare test scenarios and cases
2. Set up a separate testing environment
3. Instruct participants
4. Conduct testing and gather feedback
When we cover the base aspects of what is user acceptance testing, we need to correlate it with the above process to understand its business value.
Here, I provide a list of some of the best UAT tools that you can find. I have listed their key features, too-
1. Zephyr:
2. TestRail:
3. Amplitude:
The app’s target users are generally tasked with carrying out the UAT process. This type of software testing is known as Beta Testing. It typically takes place at the client’s location. Once the entry criteria for UAT are met, the following tasks need to be performed by the testers-
1. Etching out the business requirements: One of the most crucial tasks in User Acceptance Testing (UAT) is identifying and developing test scenarios. These scenarios are created based on the following documents-
2. Creating a UAT test plan: The UAT test plan provides a framework. It ensures an app meets business needs. It outlines the conditions for initiating and completing the UAT process. It details the methods for developing test scenarios and cases. It also establishes the testing timeline.
3. Identify test scenarios: Find test scenarios from high-level business processes. Here, the tester makes detailed test cases with clear, step-by-step instructions. These UAT test cases should comprehensively cover the majority of UAT scenarios. Business use cases serve as the foundation for creating these test cases.
4. Preparation for the test: It is highly recommended to use live data for UAT. Also, the data must be scrambled to protect privacy and security. Testers should also have a clear understanding of the database flow.
5. Run and record the test cases: A core responsibility of testers is to perform UAT test cases execution and report any identified bugs. Then, they will retest the bugs after they have been fixed. They will use a few test management tools to assist in the execution process.
6. Confirm business objectives: After UAT testing, Business Analysts or UAT Testers must send a sign-off email. They must confirm that the product is ready for production. This sign-off indicates that all testing objectives have been met and the product can proceed to the production phase. The key deliverables for UAT testing include- the Test Plan and UAT Scenarios and Test Cases. It must also include the Test Results and the Defect Log.
Let us take a look at a user acceptance testing example. This can help you carry out the process effectively in online marketplace
Evaluate the functionality of an online marketplace.
User Actions
Search for products
Add items to the shopping cart
Proceed to checkout
Make payments
Track orders
UAT Test Cases
For this scenario, some UAT test cases might include-
This detailed examination of the app’s functioning and workflow will determine how well the real-world users will embrace it upon its release.
Here, I am going to list the various benefits of User Acceptance testing-
1. Direct User Feedback: Involving users in testing helps the team understand and meet their needs.
2. Enhanced User Satisfaction: User testing increases the chance that users will be satisfied with the final product.
3. Automated Test Execution: Utilizing automated testing can significantly save time and effort. This is particularly true for large or complex software applications.
4. Comprehensive Testing: This approach ensures thorough testing. It covers all aspects of the software’s functionality. This includes the user interface, business logic, and performance.
In my professional opinion, this type of check has a few drawbacks as well-
1. User Knowledge Requirements: Participants need to have a basic understanding of the software. This is important to effectively engage in the testing process.
2. Slow Feedback: Gathering and analysing feedback from a large group of users can be time-consuming. This is especially true if there are differing opinions.
3. Low User Participation: Some users may be hesitant to participate in acceptance testing. This is due to time constraints or lack of interest.
4. Development Team Involvement: The development team is usually not involved in acceptance testing. This can result in communication gaps and misunderstandings.
I hope I have successfully explained to you what is user acceptance testing. User Acceptance Testing stands as a crucial step in the software development lifecycle. It ensures that the outcome aligns with user expectations and business requirements. If you want to learn more about this process, then you can go for an Automation Testing Course.
You may need to carry out these tasks to accomplish success in UAT testing-
Defining clear objectives and acceptance criteria
Developing comprehensive test cases based on user stories and business requirements
Setting up a testing environment that mirrors production
Selecting and training appropriate end-users as testers
Executing test cases and meticulously documenting results
Reporting and tracking any discovered issues or bugs
Retesting fixed issues and performing regression testing
Obtaining stakeholder sign-off once all critical issues are resolved
While both are essential, UAT and QA differ in several key aspects-
In my opinion, key UAT tester skills include-
Domain expertise
A UAT tester’s responsibilities include-
professionals trained
countries
sucess rate
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