MAKING QA S.I.M.P.L.E.

“It is always the simple that produces the marvelous” said the talented Amelia Barr. If it isn’t simple to understand and easy to implement then it is not sustainable. In my frequent discussions with QA Professionals, the conversation revolves around how they want to improvise their QA processes and make everyone’s life simpler.

In the name of improvisation, we end up complicating our processes. We add steps, we try to streamline and put more overheads in order to have better control over projects. We need to understand that QA is logic driven and a fact-based process which helps us identify issues while testing a software.

My concept is nothing but ‘Keep It Simple’. The technique is to break down the concept in such a simple and easy language that anybody and everybody can understand the basic principles of Quality Assurance and Testing.

Let us look at a S.I.M.P.L.E. formula that helps big time:

S- Size up the task. Break down long and complex testing procedures into smaller and more modular test cases to gain flexibility and achieve faster and accurate coverage.

I- Identify important tasks. Schedule weekly meetings to stay on top of your tasks that are of utmost importance to ensure that the team remains on the same page and clearly focused on what is important.

M- Manage your tasks effectively. Categorize and prioritize your tasks through a simple approach of I.C.E (Importance, Complexity, Execution), this will play an important role in managing your tasks productively.

P: Prioritize. Running high priority tests allows testers to manage risks, plan tests, consider cost value, and be logical about which test to run in the context of the specific project.

L- Learn to say No. It will save you time, effort and unnecessary pressure to meet deadlines set on the project at the earlier stages.

E- Execute with honesty. As QA managers, we should function and execute all tasks in full transparency along with your peers and clients involved.

So, there you have it, my approach to make our QA jobs less stressful and S.I.M.P.L.E. I would love to know your opinion on what your version of simplicity is and how do you exercise it in your work life routine. After all, we all want to enjoy the process and call it a day on a happy and successful note!

Cheers to the power of S.I.M.P.L.E.!