The aim of conducting user acceptance testing is to make sure that the software that has been built provides considerable value to its users. A user is the focal point of this testing method as it is implemented keeping in perspective the user requirements.

User feedback helps the team to strategically evaluate the product from a user’s point of view. This in turn leads to a user-centric product. In this article, you will get to know about user acceptance testing along with the steps required to perform it.

What is User Acceptance Testing (UAT)?

It is a testing method wherein a product’s usability is tested from a user’s point of view. It is conducted in the final stages of the software development process just before the software product or application is going to be released. UAT helps in validating how effectively the product or application can meet the user and business-specific requirements. Real-world usage scenarios are properly mirrored by UAT.

The following are the steps required to conduct user acceptance testing:

1.The business requirements need to be scrutinized: Project goals can be prepared by taking into consideration the business objectives and requirements. Essential documents such as System Requirement Specification (SRS), process flow diagrams and business use cases can be leveraged to develop test cases. Customized test scenarios can be created (by using these documents) that are in line with the project’s requirements.

2.A UAT plan should be created: The strategy needs to be outlined in the UAT plan to make sure that the specific application is in line with the user and business-specific requirements. This plan includes testing timelines, test scenarios and cases and entry and exit criteria. Test assignments will include all the parts of the software based on real user interactions. Everyday language can be used for instructions.

3.Test cases and test scenarios need to be identified: Test scenarios need to be identified from business processes and test cases are created with test steps. The team should check if all the sliders, drop-downs and app buttons function properly. The scrolling shouldn’t be hindered by overlapping elements. The rendering of all CSS styles should be done correctly.

4.Preparing test data: Live data for UAT is considered to be the best. The data needs to be scrambled to maintain security and privacy. Real users are ideal for this testing task.

5.The tests need to be run and results need to be tracked: The test cases need to be executed and any bugs that have been encountered should be documented. Retesting should be done, once the bugs are fixed. The testing feedback provided by testers should be carefully comprehended. Non-technical language can be expected in their responses. Available templates can be utilized to craft a UAT feedback form.

6.Confirm business objectives: The project should be made sure that it is aligned with the business objectives and goals. The solution that has been created should effectively achieve the business goals.

The strategic importance of UAT:

UAT helps in validating usability before deployment, verifying functionality and validating requirements. Defects are also detected and risks are mitigated to make sure that a software has been successfully launched. The software product or application that has been developed may have met all the functional requirements and may be fully functional, but, it may not be aligned with the user-specific requirements. This can impact the brand value of the software.

Unclear project scope modifications and improper communication of software requirements to developers can also result in project-related issues. User feedback is one of the key benefits of implementing UAT as it helps the team to know where the product stands from a user’s standpoint. Based on the opinions and suggestions provided by the user, the team can make the necessary adjustments to the specific product or application.

Conclusion: If you are looking forward to implementing user acceptance testing for your specific project, then get connected with a premium software testing services company that will provide professional consultation and support on developing a crystal-clear UAT strategy.

About the author: I am a technical content writer focused on writing technology specific articles. I strive to provide well-researched information on the leading market savvy technologies.