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Test results reporting dimension

1 - Reactive

Description

  • Test results are primarily communicated through informal channels, making it difficult to ascertain the actual quality of the software.
  • Transparency is minimal, and results are often not shared widely within the tribe, limiting informed decision-making.
  • Results may be maintained at individual or team/squad levels but are not shared or integrated across the tribe.
  • Reporting is mostly reactive or only done when major issues arise.

Improvement focus

  • Identify all the existing tests (manual and automated) within the tribe.
  • Ensure all teams are regularly running tests.
  • Begin documenting test results, even if done manually.
  • Define a standard test results template for consistency.
  • Begin to collate results for both functional and non-functional tests.
  • Begin to track test/code coverage.
  • Begin training teams on the importance of test results reporting.

2 - Managed

Description

  • Test results have a consistent format and are regularly shared within the tribe/org.
  • Test results are regularly collected and reported but may lack granularity or detail.
  • Test results are usually documented, but primarily for major milestones or phases/releases.
  • There is limited traceability from requirements to test cases and results.
  • There is some distinction between test types/levels and platforms, but there's no comprehensive view.
  • The team may rely on basic documentation during specific stages, such as system or integration testing, but fails to apply consistent reporting - across all phases of the SDLC.

Improvement focus

  • Begin classifying tests/results by type: functional, non-functional, cross-browser, and by test level (unit, integration, system).
  • Standardize the format and medium for reporting results.
  • Develop initial dashboards or reports to share information consistently at tribe level.
  • Focus on integrating test/code coverage per test level and per product.
  • Work on defining what data is essential for decision-making and improving transparency across the tribe.

3 - Defined

Description

  • The tribe follows a consistent process for reporting test results, with established templates and guidelines to ensure clarity, consistency, and uniformity.
  • Test results provide a comprehensive view across various test types, levels and platforms (cross-browser, per-OS).
  • Reporting is mostly quantitative (e.g., number of passed/failed tests) without much qualitative feedback.
  • Transparency is increasing, and data is regularly shared within the tribe.
  • Test/code coverage per test level and per product started to be collected and analyzed.
  • Clearly defined risks, issues, and dependencies, making them readily accessible to everyone, containing sufficient information for easy - comprehension, and ensuring they are regularly updated with the latest progress

Improvement focus

  • Incorporate automated dashboards for real-time test results visibility.
  • Start extracting insights and trends from test results for risk assessment.
  • Include qualitative feedback to understand the nature and impact of failures.
  • Implement tools that automate the collection and reporting of test results.
  • Identify and address gaps in test coverage across platforms and test types/levels.
  • Educate teams about the importance and understanding of test/code coverage.

4 - Measured

Description

  • The reporting solution provides quantitative and comparative metrics on test coverage, performance variations, newly added or modified tests, and issue severity across testing phases, all compared against previous releases.
  • Regular audits, reviews, and refinements are taking place to ensure the accuracy, relevance, and continuous improvement of the reporting solution, and the derived insights are documented and made accessible to the tribe and relevant stakeholders.
  • Test results are not just reported but also analyzed for patterns, trends, and insights, empowering the tribe to iteratively and incrementally enhance both their processes and the quality of their deliverables.
  • Comprehensive test result reports are automatically generated and are accessible to the entire tribe/org.
  • Test/code coverage per test level and per product is regularly analyzed and improved.
  • The process of capturing, storing, and reporting test results is largely automated.
  • Result reports offer clear insights into defect tracking, highlighting issue trends across various phases.

Improvement focus

  • Continuously validate the effectiveness of tests and refine based on feedback and evolving requirements.
  • Foster a culture of proactive response to insights from test reports.
  • Refine reporting mechanisms to provide real-time insights.
  • Foster cross-team collaboration to ensure that insights from the test results are integrated into the development process effectively.

5 - Optimized

Description

  • The tribe utilizes test results not just for risk assessment but for proactive improvement in the SDLC.
  • All testing, including functional, non-functional, cross-browser, per OS, and all levels per the test pyramid, is fully integrated into a seamless reporting and decision-making process.
  • All stakeholders, including non-technical ones, can easily access and understand the test reports, fostering trust and transparency.

Improvement focus

  • Regularly review and refine the test result reporting process to adapt to evolving technological landscapes.
  • Share insights and learnings with other tribes or units for collective growth.

Guiding questions

  1. How are test results currently reported in your team or organization, and what is the level of detail and frequency of these reports?
  2. How well are test results integrated with other software development processes (like CI/CD, defect tracking) and effectively communicated to different stakeholders, including both technical and non-technical members?
  3. To what extent is automation used in the generation, analysis, and dissemination of test results, and what tools are currently in place to support these processes?
  4. Beyond basic test results, what additional quality metrics (like code quality, usability, security vulnerabilities, risks, defect leakage) are being tracked, and how comprehensive is the test coverage across different test types and levels?
  5. How are test results utilized in identifying, assessing, and managing risks, and in driving continuous improvement in your software development processes?