User Acceptance Testing – A Compact Guide

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. 

Introducing the Concept 

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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What is the Need for User Acceptance Testing?  

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-

• additional phases,
• hotfixes,
• releases,
• further modifications,
• customizations, and 
• version upgrades.

Also Read: Software Testing Strategy

What are User Acceptance Testing Objectives? 

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- 

• The tester will confirm whether the system aligns with business requirements and user needs.
• It ensures the system’s usability and intuitiveness for end-users.
• The testing validates the system’s ability to handle expected workloads and scenarios.
• It confirms a unified integration with existing business processes.
• Testers can easily discover bugs or issues that impact user experience or system functionality.
• With this type of assessment, they can collect valuable feedback for potential improvements or future enhancements.
• It also helps build user confidence in the system before it goes live.

Also Read: What is a Value Proposition?

Types of User Acceptance Testing     

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

• Backup Plans
• User Training
• System Testing Phases
• Various Maintenance Processes
• Security Checks

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.

UAT Process              

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

• Develop detailed test scenarios and cases.
• Identify suitable participants for the testing.

2. Set up a separate testing environment

• Conduct testing in a dedicated environment.
• Schedule multiple sessions over several days if needed.

3. Instruct participants

• Provide clear instructions on how to perform tasks.
• Ensure participants understand how to fill in test scenario forms.

4. Conduct testing and gather feedback

• End-users complete test cases while company employees monitor progress.
• Assist participants with any questions or issues that arise.
• Collect feedback from participants to evaluate the efficacy of the changes, updates, or new features.

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.

User Acceptance Testing Tools

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:

• Seamless integration with Jira
• Real-time metrics and status updates
• Test cycle management
• Customizable workflows

2. TestRail:

• Comprehensive UAT test cases management
• Real-time test execution tracking
• Customizable dashboards and reports
• Integration with issue-tracking systems

3. Amplitude:

• Efficiently tracks events across a wide user dataset.
• Detects and segments issues.
• Fast-tracks the resolution of severe issues

How to Use User Acceptance Testing Software?      

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-

• Business Use Cases
• Project Charter
• System Requirements Specification (SRS)
• Process Flow Diagrams
• Business Requirements Document (BRD)

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.

Example of User Acceptance Testing 

Let us take a look at a user acceptance testing example. This can help you carry out the process effectively in online marketplace 

UAT Scenario

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-

• Verify the correct display of all product categories
• Confirm proper loading of product images and descriptions
• Test adding multiple items to the cart
• Ensure accurate updates to the cart total
• Validate the presence of all required fields in the checkout process
• Test various payment methods (credit card, PayPal, etc.)
• Verify the correct information displayed on the order confirmation page
• Check for receipt of accurate confirmation email

This detailed examination of the app’s functioning and workflow will determine how well the real-world users will embrace it upon its release.

Advantages of User Acceptance Testing        

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.

Limitations of User Acceptance Testing        

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.

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Conclusion 

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. 

FAQ

1. How do you perform UAT testing?                

You may need to carry out these tasks to accomplish success in UAT testing-

1. Defining clear objectives and acceptance criteria

2. Developing comprehensive test cases based on user stories and business requirements

3. Setting up a testing environment that mirrors production

4. Selecting and training appropriate end-users as testers

5. Executing test cases and meticulously documenting results

6. Reporting and tracking any discovered issues or bugs

7. Retesting fixed issues and performing regression testing

8. Obtaining stakeholder sign-off once all critical issues are resolved

2. How is UAT different from QA?

While both are essential, UAT and QA differ in several key aspects-

• Testers- QA involves professional testers, while UAT engages actual end-users.
• Focus- QA aims to find technical defects. But UAT verifies business needs alignment.
• Timing- QA occurs throughout development. However, UAT is typically the final testing phase.
• Scope- QA covers various testing types. UAT primarily focuses on business scenarios and usability.
• Environment- QA may use various testing environments. On the other hand, UAT typically occurs in a near-production environment.

3. What are UAT skills?   

In my opinion, key UAT tester skills include-

Domain expertise

1. Attention to detail
2. Effective communication
3. Critical thinking
4. Documentation proficiency
5. Time management
6. Adaptability
7. Collaboration

4. What is the role of the UAT tester?                  

    A UAT tester’s responsibilities include-

1. Reviewing business requirements and user stories
2. Developing and executing test cases based on real-world scenarios
3. Providing feedback on system usability and functionality
4. Reporting bugs and issues
5. Verifying bug fixes and retesting affected areas
6. Collaborating with various stakeholders
7. Participating in UAT planning and status meetings
8. Assisting in creating user documentation and training materials
9. Providing input for the final acceptance decision