How do you collaborate with stakeholders unfamiliar with formal verification?

1 Know your audience

Before you start explaining or demonstrating formal verification, you need to understand who you are talking to and what their goals, expectations, and concerns are. Are they end users, clients, managers, developers, testers, or regulators? What are their main requirements, preferences, and pain points? How much technical background and experience do they have? How open are they to new approaches and learning curves? Knowing your audience will help you tailor your message and strategy to their needs and interests.

2 Use clear and simple language

Formal verification can be intimidating and confusing for those who are not familiar with its terminology, logic, and notation. Avoid using jargon, acronyms, or symbols that may not be understood or appreciated by your audience. Instead, use clear and simple language that conveys the main ideas and benefits of formal verification without getting into the details or technicalities. Use analogies, examples, and stories that relate to their domain or context. Explain how formal verification can help them achieve their goals, solve their problems, or address their challenges.

3 Show, don't tell

One of the most effective ways to communicate the value and impact of formal verification is to show it in action. Use visual aids, such as diagrams, graphs, animations, or videos, to illustrate how formal verification works and what it can do. Demonstrate how formal verification can detect errors, prove properties, generate tests, or synthesize code. Show how formal verification can improve the quality, performance, security, or efficiency of the software system. Show how formal verification can save time, money, or resources in the long run.

4 Involve them in the process

Another way to engage and educate your audience about formal verification is to involve them in the process. Invite them to participate in defining the specifications, assumptions, and properties of the system. Ask them for feedback, suggestions, or questions along the way. Encourage them to try out the tools, methods, or techniques of formal verification themselves. Provide them with training, guidance, or support as needed. Make them feel part of the team and the solution.

5 Address the limitations and challenges

Formal verification is not a silver bullet that can solve all the problems or guarantee all the outcomes of software development. It has its own limitations and challenges that need to be acknowledged and addressed. Be honest and transparent about the scope, cost, and complexity of formal verification. Explain the trade-offs, assumptions, and risks involved. Discuss the limitations of the tools, methods, or techniques used. Share the best practices, lessons learned, or tips for overcoming the difficulties or pitfalls of formal verification.

6 Build trust and rapport

Finally, the key to successful collaboration with stakeholders unfamiliar with formal verification is to build trust and rapport with them. Show respect, empathy, and curiosity for their perspectives, opinions, and experiences. Listen to their feedback, concerns, or objections and respond with patience, clarity, and evidence. Avoid being defensive, arrogant, or dismissive. Acknowledge their contributions, achievements, or challenges. Appreciate their cooperation, support, or enthusiasm. Celebrate the successes, milestones, or improvements achieved with formal verification.