How do you solicit and incorporate feedback on testing results and recommendations?

1 Understand your audience

Before you start writing or presenting your testing results and recommendations, you need to know who your audience is and what they expect from you. Different stakeholders may have different levels of technical knowledge, interest, and involvement in the program development. For example, developers may want to see detailed test cases, code snippets, and error logs, while managers may want to see high-level summaries, metrics, and risks. Clients or users may want to see screenshots, demos, and user feedback. You need to tailor your communication style and content to suit your audience's needs and preferences.

2 Choose the right format and channel

Depending on your audience, the purpose, and the scope of your testing results and recommendations, you may choose different formats and channels to communicate them. For example, you may use a formal report, a slide deck, a dashboard, a video, or a live demo. You may also use different channels, such as email, chat, phone, video call, or face-to-face meeting. You need to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each format and channel, such as the level of detail, interactivity, accessibility, and feedback. You also need to follow any standards or guidelines that your organization or client may have for testing documentation and communication.

3 Structure your message logically

Regardless of the format and channel you choose, you need to structure your testing results and recommendations logically and clearly. A common structure is to start with an introduction that summarizes the main objectives, scope, and methods of your testing. Then, you can present your testing results, such as the number and severity of bugs, the test coverage, the performance, the usability, and the user satisfaction. You can use tables, charts, graphs, or screenshots to illustrate your data and findings. Next, you can provide your testing recommendations, such as the priority and impact of fixing the bugs, the areas for improvement, the best practices, and the next steps. You can use bullet points, action items, or checklists to highlight your suggestions and expectations. Finally, you can end with a conclusion that reiterates the main points, the benefits, and the challenges of your testing.

4 Use clear and concise language

When you communicate your testing results and recommendations, you need to use clear and concise language that avoids ambiguity, jargon, and unnecessary details. You need to define any acronyms or technical terms that your audience may not be familiar with. You also need to use consistent and accurate terminology that matches the program specifications and requirements. You need to avoid vague or subjective words, such as "good", "bad", "fast", or "slow", and use precise and measurable words, such as "passed", "failed", "seconds", or "percentages". You need to avoid long and complex sentences, and use short and simple sentences that are easy to read and understand.

5 Be constructive and positive

When you communicate your testing results and recommendations, you need to be constructive and positive, not critical and negative. You need to acknowledge the achievements and efforts of the program development team, and not focus only on the problems and flaws. You need to provide constructive feedback that explains the root causes, the impacts, and the solutions of the bugs, and not blame or criticize anyone. You need to provide positive feedback that praises the strengths, the features, and the benefits of the program, and not ignore or downplay them. You need to use a polite and respectful tone that expresses your appreciation, your support, and your collaboration, and not your frustration, your disappointment, or your demands.