How to become a Software Qa Expert
What does the customer expect?
The complete answer to this question is the most difficult task a Software QA Expert has.
After you spend hours analysing the customer's documented requirements. After you spend days assuring that the developer's code fulfills those requirements. After you are certain that everything known is documented, coded, and functional in the customer's environment.
Then you must ask:
- Has the customer told us everything? What are the hidden requirements?
- Who is the actual user? Did the actual user have input regarding need, requirements and design?
- Where is the balance point between cost and risk?
- What are the constraints? Is it really possible to fulfill the customer's expectations within these constraints?
- What is the risk involved in delivery? Is this the critical component for the customer's operations?
- What is the fall-back plan, and is it acceptable?
- How intuitive is the user experience? How does it compare to what is currently being done?
- What is the customer accomplishing with this change?
- Does it work as expected without quirks or surprises?
- Have the usage boundaries been adequately defined? and tested? exceeded?
- Is additional user training needed, and has it been provided for?
- Will our delivery exceed the customer's expectations, and is that okay?
- Does delivery represent a smooth transition?
- Will the product present a transparent interface to the customer?
Becoming a Software QA Expert depends on your ultimate understanding of all these factors, and recognition of that point where your ability to deliver meets the customer's needs.
Checking off each of the points above, becomes a procedure. The Software QA Expert brings more than a checklist to work. Assured Quality often hinges on the expert's experience; the "feel" you have regarding the result of the effort applied to the need. The expert can have all the correct answers required by the checklist, but you still must ask the penultimate question of yourself.
Am I proud of this result? Am I confident that the customer is being served by the best of my abilities?
Without confidence in the result, you must be able to articulate the sticking point, reassess the risk, and if resources do not allow success (no more time, no more money, deadline), be confident in your ability to state the facts and stand by them.
There is no better feeling than delivery of a difference to the customer. A difference that provides him with the ability to perform tasks quickly, more efficiently, with thoroughness and accuracy. A difference that benefits him and his customers. A difference beyond the routine of completing a project.
How do you become a Software QA Expert?
Don't disappoint yourself. Live with the expectation that your results will exceed your role.
