What are the best practices for testing process designs before implementation?

1 Define the scope and criteria of testing

Before you start testing, you need to define the scope and criteria of testing. The scope defines what aspects of the process design you want to test, such as functionality, usability, reliability, efficiency, and compliance. The criteria define how you will measure the success or failure of the testing, such as metrics, indicators, standards, and benchmarks. By defining the scope and criteria of testing, you can focus on the most relevant and important features of the process design, and avoid wasting time and resources on unnecessary or irrelevant testing.

2 Choose the appropriate testing method

Depending on the type, complexity, and maturity of the process design, you may choose different testing methods to evaluate its performance and quality. Simulation is a useful method for testing complex, dynamic, or risky process designs that are difficult or costly to test in reality. Pilot testing involves implementing the process design on a small scale or in a limited area with a subset of users. This is beneficial for testing new, innovative, or uncertain process designs that require feedback and validation from actual users or customers. Lastly, experiment testing involves comparing the process design with a control or alternative process design using a sample of users, customers, or stakeholders. This is helpful for testing different variations or options of the process design and measuring their impact and effectiveness.

3 Collect and analyze data and feedback

During and after the testing, you need to collect and analyze data and feedback from the testing method. Data and feedback can be quantitative or qualitative, and can come from various sources, such as metrics, surveys, interviews, observations, or reviews. By collecting and analyzing data and feedback, you can assess the strengths and weaknesses of the process design, identify any gaps, errors, or issues, and evaluate its feasibility and viability.

4 Iterate and improve the process design

Based on the data and feedback from the testing, you need to iterate and improve the process design. Iteration involves making changes, adjustments, or refinements to the process design, based on the findings and insights from the testing. Improvement involves enhancing the performance, quality, or value of the process design, based on the criteria and expectations from the testing. By iterating and improving the process design, you can ensure that it meets or exceeds the requirements and expectations of the users, customers, or stakeholders.

5 Document and communicate the testing results

Finally, you need to document and communicate the testing results. Documentation involves recording and reporting the testing process, method, data, feedback, findings, insights, changes, and improvements of the process design. Communication involves sharing and presenting the testing results to the relevant audiences, such as the process design team, the management, the users, customers, or stakeholders. By documenting and communicating the testing results, you can demonstrate the value and benefits of the process design, and gain support and approval for its implementation.

6 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?