Thursday, February 17, 2011

Building a test plan from Woe to Go using Heuristics, Mind Maps, and Test Charters

Creating a test plan can be a daunting task, especially when under time pressure.  "We need you to test this application and, oh, we go live next Monday."  How do you create a plan to test that is accountable, transparent, and structured, yet lightweight enough that can quickly be understood by developers, project managers, other stakeholders, and new testers that may be brought on to help out?  And not only that, but be created quickly?



I'd like to propose a solution by combining knowledge and techniques from James Bach and others in the context driven community to create a solution which may help, depending on the application under test, and your workplace culture.  It sometimes works for me, and I hope that it may work someone else.

1. James Bach's Heuristic Test Strategy Model
Available here: http://www.satisfice.com/tools/satisfice-tsm-4p.pdf
As it says on the front page: "The immediate purpose of this model is to remind testers of what to think about when they are creating tests."


I like to build from the Quality Criteria categories, although I think you could begin building from any of the categories, depending on the type of model you want to build.

2. Mind Mapping
There's a lot of talk in the context driven testing community right now about mind mapping, and I have to admit I was originally dismissive of the idea.  I had always associated mind mapping with high school social studies teachers for some reason, or, at best, highly paid advertising executives, and wondered if they really had a practical purpose in the 'real world'.  I've since learned, of course, there is no such as the 'real world' so I started looking into it.  There are a few free mind mapping tools out there: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mind_mapping_software
In these examples I'll be using FreeMind
You can read more about using mind mapping in testing here: http://www.bettertesting.co.uk/content/?p=956

3. Combine
Select the appropriate criteria for your project and map it out (I use the word 'Functionality' instead of 'Capability'):








                     4. Flesh Out
Start fleshing out using the other categories to generate ideas.


5. Post up in a public area
When you think you've finished, or you've run out of ideas, print out, and post up somewhere visible.  This lets PMs and developers see what your model of the application is, and they can point out areas that you may have missed.

6. Create Test Charters
If you're unfamiliar with test charters, or session-based test management, read these:
http://www.satisfice.com/sbtm/
http://www.satisfice.com/articles/sbtm.pdf
http://www.satisfice.com/articles/et-article.pdf

With a little tweaking, you've almost automatically generated your test charters from your mind map.  As you run along the lowest levels of hierarchy, create your test charters from them.  I find that usually each lowest level generates 1 to 3 test charters.  In the example above, some example test charters may be:
  • Create admin user; ensure has admin rights as described in document X, and can create, edit, and delete users
  • Check the claims made by the sales team are present in the application
  • Test the Proin at ligula libero
  • Explore the Quisque quis libero urna using Internet explorer 6
7. Managing the testing process
The mind map lets you visualise the testing process and can be used to report how testing is going.  You can use it to manage the testing process by assigning testers to a branch, letting them take ownership of all sub branches.  This lets you quickly assign work without having to go one by one through requirements and specifications and manually assigning individual tasks.  You could colour branches that you're currently working on, and shade in branches that have been completed.  At a glance, you can see what has been done, what is being worked on, and what is left to do.  

I hope this illustrates a good way to structure, manage, and report on exploratory testing.  The main advantages are that it is quick to do: no lengthy documents with headings and paragraphs of text; and has many emergent properties which also aid the management of the testing process.

71 comments:

  1. Interesting thoughts and a real challenge to my approach to knocking up a test plan in short order (take an old one and do a search and replace on the project name!)

    What is your experience at the 'Make It Public' stage. I have difficulty getting the right people to review and approve a standard plan (however short), Do you find that your people understand the mind map and respond or do you get a low response?

    ReplyDelete
  2. I agree posting the mindmap where it is visible can help focus on charter much better. Just like Agile developers use Scrum and Kanban boards to check the progress within a sprint. The only downside I see is that map becomes bigger and bigger as more and activities are added and to some extent unmanageable. If you have a large posted area then it helps but most workspaces are so cramped that you don't find the room to display a large map.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Aaron,

    Some good ideas here, I really like the collaboration view point of sticking the mind map in a break out area for feedback. That's very good, and cheap.

    I'm not keen on using the mind maps to track planning aspects though; I think that could become confusing.

    Lean reporting is something I'm very interested in, and something I'll be working on for our team over the next six months. So it's really helpful seeing ideas like this.

    I think the real challenge is getting something that’s not only lean, but actually fits everyone's needs. It's often a struggle getting a format together that fits all the recipient’s needs.

    Thanks for taking the time out to share your idea with us.

    Cheers,

    Darren.

    ReplyDelete
  4. @roqueconsulting: Yeah this is very workplace culture dependent. I guess it depends if you need things approved to proceed. Either way, in whatever format you need to eventually present, this could still be a tool to generate good plans and to use for your own planning. You could have your "official" document to tick the boxes, and your "useful" document to actually get your work done.

    ReplyDelete
  5. @Mohinder: Yeah, the size and manageability can become unwieldy. I'll let you know how I get on as the map grows

    ReplyDelete
  6. @Darren McMillan: I'd be really keen to hear more ideas about how to make this work. This is something I'm only just now beginning to explore.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I've followed the same approach in a startup environment and what I also found useful were checklists that kinda followed the mindmap to do regression testing

    Thanks for the read

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Aaron,

    Excellent post. You suggest this is a good way of doing planning when time is short and deadlines loom. Do you think it would be a good strategy for a longer term, larger project (like a traditional waterfall) one?

    I've used them a lot for bigger projects too with mixed success (mainly because of management/stakeholder expectations).

    Nice post.

    Thanks
    Rob..

    ReplyDelete
  9. @Rob Lambert: I can't see why you wouldn't use this for a longer term project. It means you never lose sight of the bigger picture as the weeks and months go by. It can also have quite a visual impact as new requirements and features are added, and the map grows like a weed. Really shows the cost of new features in terms of testing time.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I really appreciate sharing this great post. Keep up your work.Thanks for sharing this great article.Great information thanks a lot for the detailed article.Thanks for shearing about this I thinks its very hopeful post and very important post for us.
    test the mind

    ReplyDelete
  11. Really nice topics you had discussed above. I am much impressed. Thank you for providing this nice information here

    Software Testing Company

    QA Services

    XBOX Game Tester

    Game Testing Companies

    Console Game Testing

    ReplyDelete
  12. Assignmentservicerating is best reviews site.We at Top Quality Assignment believe that there is no shortcut to success and to attain success, hard work, dedication, and commitment must be present. We are an online platform where students check & write reviews for assignments related websites.AllAssignmentHelp.com reviews 

    ReplyDelete
  13. Assignmentservicerating is best reviews site.We at Top Quality Assignment believe that there is no shortcut to success and to attain success, hard work, dedication, and commitment must be present. We are an online platform where students check & write reviews for assignments related websites.AllAssignmentHelp.com reviews 

    ReplyDelete
  14. But may come, he has to submit his assignment before the deadline, therefore he chooses to buy assignment services available to him. To help students complete their assignments My Assignment Services is here to serve them with the best assignment help. All the long and tiring processes are eliminated with our assignment help USA service which is simple and hassle-free. This is where students opt for our ‘Online Civil Engineering Assignment Help Australia’ services.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Welcome to the review of AllAssignmenthelp.com reviews, a writing service in Britain aimed at USA and Australia students. we will provide best AllAssignmenthelp.com reviews in USA, UK and Australia.

    ReplyDelete
  16. GPA Calculator : An introduction is the beginning section of an essay, article or assignment; which conveys their purpose or goals. It is generally followed by the body and conclusion of the content.
    It gives general background information about the content of the article or assignment, through a brief explanation. Going through the introduction can help the readers to get an idea about the topic of the content of the assignment.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Fabulous project - Provide the Assignment Helper online support service. Expert writers of US assignment who will help you by providing good high-quality essay help and other assignment assistance services.

    ReplyDelete
  18. PaydayAlabama provides quick and hassle free process for applying Instant Cash loans Akron. The Process of applying is simple. Just fill the valid and up to date required information in the form and send it for approval. Our lenders would then contact you with an offer in case they approve your application. After approval, cash will be deposited to your account within 1 or 2 business days.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Valuable guide on building test plans, really helpful to use in office.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I suggest all members choose Essay assignment help Australia for the best guideline in your academia. The perfect and expert assistant your requirement and learning assignment project by the university.

    ReplyDelete
  21. getassignmenthelponline.com is the world's best online assignment services provider They do not make empty promises, always achieved what they promised. So you can take help with any academic consultation orAssignment Help . our team of online get assignment help online is available ready to cater to your needs at any given moment.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hire the best experts to avail Online Assignment Help services at best price with the assurity of 100% authentic work.

    ReplyDelete
  23. We are providing the best master data services around the world....visit our website for more information..

    Selenium Training in Chennai | Certification | Online Courses

    selenium training in chennai

    selenium training in chennai

    selenium online training in chennai

    selenium training in bangalore

    selenium training in hyderabad

    selenium training in coimbatore

    selenium online training

    ReplyDelete
  24. I and my friends often read your posts and discuss on them. We get valuable information through your posts. Thanks a lot.
    java training institute in noida

    ReplyDelete
  25. I really appreciate the kind of topics you post here. Thanks for sharing us a great information that is actually helpful.
    Bill Goldberg Harley Davidson Jacket

    ReplyDelete
  26. I most likely appreciating each and every bit of it. It is an absurd site and decent impart. I need to much appreciative
    Python assignment help

    ReplyDelete
  27. Informative blogs! Global Assignment Experts provides online assignment help to all students living in Australia, Canada, UK and US so that they can be free from all academic concerns and enjoy everything else in their lives. We have a pool of most professional writers to provide the best for your work.

    ReplyDelete
  28. DENSENIUM IS THE LEADING AND ONE OF THE BEST DIGITAL MARKETING COMPANIES IN NOIDA DIGITAL MARKETING IS A GREAT WAY TO BOOM YOUR BUSINESS AND SERVICES ONLINE. OUR AGENCY IN DELHI NCR OFFERS ALL DIGITAL MARKETING SERVICES SUCH AS SEO, SMO, SMM, PPC, DESIGNING AND DEVELOPMENT, WE HELP ALL KIND OF BUSINESSES TO GROW ONLINE IN THE DIGITAL ERA.

    Visit Our Website To know About Our Digital Marketing Services:- Digital Marketing Services

    ReplyDelete
  29. I have bookmarked your website for regular checkup. You have articles here. The Doctor of Nursing Practice capstone project culminates your doctoral studies. The project offers you an opportunity to convert the knowledge you’ve collected into practice. The project underpins future scholarship and puts your academic plans on the path to success. Get DNP Capstone Project Help

    ReplyDelete
  30. Get the best Nursing Assignment Help from proficient academic medical experts.The excellence of My Assignment Help nursing assignment helps purely depend on our team of talented nursing assignment writers available online.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hello, this is a unique and informatic piece of content. It can be quite fulfilling to successfully complete a DNP capstone. Anyone who has ever had the unique opportunity to work on it can agree that it consumes a lot of time. Apart from this, it can be super difficult to work on. Consequently, most students opt to order for DNP Capstone Project Help

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hire our experts to get help with professional ethics case study assignment. We can help you with custom writing service ensuring your success in the class.

    ReplyDelete


  33. Nice post. I used to be checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Extremely useful info particularly the ultimate section 🙂 I take care of such information a lot. I was seeking this certain information for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.
    half girlfriend pdf

    ReplyDelete
  34. Check out assignment help griffith university if you are looking for best writing help with Low Prices.

    ReplyDelete
  35. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  36. The Vision Group is headed by Mr. Aleem Khan. Mr. Aleem is a renowned real estate tycoon of Pakistan, and a renowned philanthropist as well as an accomplished politician. Mr. Aleem Khan was elected to Punjab’s legislature as an MPA in the general elections of 2018 and currently holds important ministerial portfolios within the current government of Punjab which was formed by Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek e Insaaf. The Lahore PVC is one of the most advanced housing schemes of the region that was commissioned as a housing society back in 2007. Since 2007, the Lahore PVC was commonly referred to as the Park View Villas Lahore.
    Rudn Enclave payment plan
    Blue world city Islamabad installment plan park view lahore installment plan

    ReplyDelete
  37. Statistics students and professor are worried to find the deviation calculator because their work depends on it.
    Supreme Puffy Varsity Jacket

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hey... Your essay is outstanding. Appreciate you for taking the time to share this article with us. My Assignment Help

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hire only the programming language assignment help service providers to get high quality assignments. Each of our assignments is prepared by qualified subject matter experts, and we guarantee you score the highest grades.

    ReplyDelete
  40. This site is so pleasant to everybody my dear skilled adventurer; I will continue coming here, over and over, read your substance. Thank you for sharing. visit here fukashere post utme form closing date

    ReplyDelete
  41. Thanks for the best blog. it was very useful for me.keep sharing such ideas in the future as well. Purple Joker Jacket

    ReplyDelete
  42. This is a wonderful piece! Thank you for amassing such a huge amount of data. You can get help with your tasks at any hour of the day or night, seven days a week. My Assignment Help






    ReplyDelete
  43. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is an advanced nursing degree that helps take one’s career to the next level. Students who have graduated in a DNP program are considered to have attained more leadership qualities and highly qualified health care practitioners. Earning your DNP degree provides skills and tools that enable you to examine published evidence to inform your practice, enhance systems of care to influence patient outcomes, and make changes to improve the quality of care when needed. Read more from https://www.dnpcapstoneprojecthelp.com/dnp-assignment-help

    ReplyDelete
  44. Get Custom Assignment Help from Professionals. My Assignment Help, has a dedicated team of academic experts who are capable to provide the best advice for your assignment help, , who have many years of experience of practice.

    ReplyDelete
  45. It is soo informative. Are you also searching for cheap assignment writing we are the best solution for you. We are best known for delivering the best services to students without having to break the bank

    ReplyDelete
  46. Good blog. Keep sharing. I love them Are you also searching for Cheap assignment services? we are the best solution for you. We are best known for delivering cheap assignment services to students without having to break the bank

    ReplyDelete
  47. Your blogs are great.Are you also searching for nursing pico writing help? we are the best solution for you. We are best known for delivering nursing writing services to students without having to break the bank.

    ReplyDelete
  48. If you are seeking valuable essay assignment help in UK, then there’s no need to look further. We, at Globalassignmentexpert, can provide you with the necessary essay writing help that you require to solve your due essay paper. We are a decade-old online assignment help company, which has helped thousands of UK Canadian & Australian students get closer to their academic goals. If you want, we can also boost your academic career by providing the instant help with assignment writing. We have a team of extremely professional assignment experts who can mold the essay assignment as per your requirements.

    ReplyDelete
  49. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  50. This weblog is as a matter of fact first-rate. The sponsorship here will for all intents and purposes be of some work with to me. much obliged to you!. SmartDraw Cracker

    ReplyDelete
  51. OmniPage Ultimate break here we will talk about a surprising and beneficial gadget that on account of its unprecedented show is astoundingly famous from wherever the world. Free Download Omnipage Full Crack

    ReplyDelete
  52. This a fantastic blog, well organized with content as per the reader’s interest, a very clear description of terms, and a valuable source of data, looking forward to more of your useful updates, thanks for sharing. gtbank aptitude test past questions in pdf format

    ReplyDelete
  53. Acadecraft offers the best Skill Development Training for learners. The company offers 24/7 services.
    The team has qualified professionals with the requisite knowledge and skills. Contact info@acadecraft.com for quality and cost-effective services.
    Also Read: e learning platform providers

    ReplyDelete
  54. A lot of people desire to read these kinds of pieces because the blog is so educational.

    ReplyDelete
  55. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete