What are the emerging trends in software quality assurance that can impact stakeholder value?

1 Agile and DevOps

Agile and DevOps are two of the most popular and influential methodologies in software development today. They aim to deliver software faster, more frequently, and more reliably, by fostering collaboration, communication, and feedback among cross-functional teams. Agile and DevOps also emphasize the integration of SQA throughout the software development lifecycle, rather than as a separate or final phase. This means that SQA activities, such as testing, quality control, and quality improvement, are performed continuously and iteratively, along with coding, integration, deployment, and delivery. This enables faster detection and resolution of defects, improved software performance and security, and enhanced stakeholder value and satisfaction.

2 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are two of the most disruptive and innovative technologies in the software industry today. They have the potential to transform SQA in various ways, such as automating repetitive and tedious tasks, enhancing testing capabilities and coverage, generating and analyzing data and insights, and learning from past experiences and feedback. AI and ML can help SQA teams to perform more complex, diverse, and dynamic testing scenarios, such as testing user interfaces, user behaviors, user preferences, user feedback, and user satisfaction. AI and ML can also help SQA teams to optimize testing processes, improve testing efficiency and effectiveness, and deliver more value and satisfaction to stakeholders.

4 User Experience and User Feedback

User experience (UX) and user feedback are two of the most important and influential factors that determine the success and value of software products today. They reflect the needs, expectations, preferences, and satisfaction of stakeholders, such as customers, users, clients, and partners. UX and user feedback also influence the design, development, delivery, and improvement of software products, by providing insights, suggestions, complaints, and compliments. UX and user feedback require SQA teams to focus more on the quality attributes and outcomes of software products, such as usability, accessibility, functionality, aesthetics, and emotions. UX and user feedback also require SQA teams to engage more with stakeholders, such as conducting user research, testing user scenarios, collecting user feedback, and measuring user satisfaction.

5 Security and Compliance

Security and compliance are two of the most critical and challenging aspects of software quality today. They ensure the protection and privacy of data, information, and systems, as well as the adherence to laws, regulations, and standards. Security and compliance are also essential for building and maintaining trust, reputation, and loyalty among stakeholders, such as customers, users, clients, and partners. Security and compliance demand SQA teams to perform rigorous and comprehensive testing, monitoring, and auditing of software products, such as testing for vulnerabilities, threats, risks, and breaches, testing for encryption, authentication, and authorization, and testing for compliance with policies, rules, and guidelines. Security and compliance also demand SQA teams to update and improve their skills, knowledge, and tools, such as learning new security techniques and technologies, acquiring new security certifications and accreditations, and using new security tools and frameworks.

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?