What is the process for identifying test objectives in a test plan?

1 Analyze project requirements

The first step in identifying test objectives is to analyze the project requirements and understand what the software is supposed to do, how it will be used, and what are the functional and non-functional requirements. You can use various sources of information, such as user stories, use cases, specifications, design documents, and customer feedback, to gather and document the requirements. You should also prioritize the requirements based on their importance, complexity, and risk.

2 Identify stakeholders and quality standards

The next step is to identify the stakeholders and quality standards that are relevant for your software testing process. Stakeholders are the people or groups who have an interest or influence in the software, such as customers, users, developers, managers, regulators, and testers. Quality standards are the guidelines and criteria that define the expected level of quality and performance of the software, such as usability, reliability, security, compatibility, and compliance. You should communicate with the stakeholders and review the quality standards to understand their expectations, needs, and preferences.

3 Define test scope and focus

The third step is to define the test scope and focus, which are the boundaries and areas of your software testing process. The test scope determines what features, functions, and components of the software will be tested, and what will be excluded or deferred. The test focus determines the aspects, attributes, and perspectives of the software that will be emphasized, such as functionality, usability, security, or performance. You should define the test scope and focus based on the project requirements, stakeholders, quality standards, and available resources.

4 Formulate test criteria and metrics

The fourth step is to formulate the test criteria and metrics, which are the measures and indicators that will be used to evaluate and report the test results. The test criteria define the conditions and rules that determine whether the software meets the requirements and quality standards, such as pass/fail, acceptance, or coverage. The test metrics define the quantitative and qualitative data that will be collected and analyzed to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the software testing process, such as defects, test cases, test execution time, or customer satisfaction.

5 Specify test outcomes and benefits

The fifth step is to specify the test outcomes and benefits, which are the expected results and value of your software testing process. The test outcomes describe the observable and verifiable changes and improvements that the software testing process will produce, such as reduced errors, increased functionality, enhanced usability, or improved performance. The test benefits describe the tangible and intangible advantages and impacts that the software testing process will provide, such as increased customer satisfaction, reduced costs, improved quality, or competitive edge.

6 Document test objectives

The final step is to document the test objectives in a clear, concise, and consistent manner in your test plan. You should use the SMART criteria to ensure that your test objectives are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. You should also align your test objectives with your project requirements, stakeholders, quality standards, test scope, focus, criteria, metrics, outcomes, and benefits. You should review and validate your test objectives with the stakeholders and the test team, and update them as needed throughout the software testing process.

7 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?