Agile Testing
customer focussed
The Agile Tester steps into the customer’s shoes and advocates his needs. Agile testing feedbacks the development team with an alternative view on the product in order to enhance customer satisfaction.
conversion centered
The Agile Tester prioritizes his efforts based on visitor data. Agile Testing identifies the most conversion critical parts of the system, that is where most value can be added.
embraces A/B testing
A/B testing comes with continuous code changes. Agile Testing mitigates risk by testing just in time and creating an instant feedback loop with all involved parties.
loves speed
Wait, what? Agile methodologies changed the role of the tester. Embedded in development processes and his unique view on the product, he adds extra value to the customer experience.
The Agile Tester
Agile is a mindset which lives from small iterations, quick adjustment to business and customer needs and close interaction within the team.
Well done, agile testing is baked-in into the software development process and does enable developers and product owners to stay focussed on their goals. The tester blends in as customer advocate with a strong background in system knowledge and business priorities. With his multi-angled view on the product he is able to step out of the role induced bias which happens to many engineers when they work focussed on some awesome new features.
The Agile Tester performs best in switching his view points of the product and goes from helicopter perspective straight down to technical details. Functional testing is his preferred playground although he acknowledges the need of well thought automation where it safes time and effort. He keeps his inner child alive who enjoys breaking stuff. He partners at all levels with the involved stakeholders.
The combination of high traffic combined with interrupted customer experience brings a bug on top of the prioritized list. He is there where the product needs attention, he foresees upcoming pains and provides feedback just in time.
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Testing skills are crucial
Functional, explorative, curious
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Product knowledge
who could possibly break it better?
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Code and data savvy
where needed and beneficial
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People skills
communication makes it happen
The Author
Kai Koehler
Favorite Quotes
Some more thoughts about agile
Not every bug needs to be fixed
When it comes to bug hunting you need to be pragmatic. Unless you are working in the pharmaceutical industry or you offer banking services you will never be able and willing to achieve 99.9% confidence in perfection. You will not be able because development resources are limited and you will not be willing because this comes at a[…]
A/B testing and the Agile Tester
In conjunction with A/B website testing, the importance of agility in the testing approach became even more important. Where speed matters and code base is changing every minute, there is no time for over planning nor bug hunting without clear focus. A/B testing aims for conversion optimization, the Agile Tester plays where conversion happens. High[…]
Agile Testing and velocity
In agile, no matter which methodology you are following, the focus is on shipping speed, small teams and risk mitigation. The team integration of Agile Testers opened a wide new field of opportunities to remove the traditional ‘show stopper’ stigma from testing professionals. Team responsibility and accountability for frequent product delivery at high quality standards needs[…]
The role of the Agile Tester
The Agile Tester is not bound to purely verify functionality as expected. He is able to get into the customer’s shoes. He still enjoys the infantile pleasure of breaking stuff and he knows where to find his fun. In his investigation focus as well as in bug prioritization he knows how to use data to identify[…]