User Acceptance Testing Explained: How to Conduct UAT - A Guide for Customers (Episode #012)

Full Podcast Transcript

Why do some apps succeed while others fail? Explore the importance of meticulous testing and user feedback in turning your app into a market hit and discover the testing phases every app must pass through to ensure a seamless user experience and robust functionality. 

Welcome to Tech Toolkit by Scorchsoft, I'm Andrew Ward, and today we're delving into a journey that every successful app must embark on before hitting the market, with a focus on what to expect at the User Acceptance Testing Phase. 

From concept to launch, we're going to uncover the essential testing phases that ensure an app not only functions seamlessly but also delivers an exceptional user experience that keeps your audience coming back for more. Whether you're fine-tuning your startup's first app or innovating within a well-established team, understanding these testing stages is important to ensure your project is a success. 

So, let's dive into the meticulous world of app development and testing and discover how to elevate your app from good to great. 

#Transforming a concept into a fully functional app is an intricate process, underpinned by rigorous testing to guarantee that each feature not only functions on its own but also integrates flawlessly with the application's other components. Let's explore the testing methodologies that are crucial for crafting a robust and user-friendly app. 

At the heart of the development process lies feature testing. This is where the excitement starts. Our developers take the lead in examining each app feature, making sure it operates as intended. It's similar to checking the quality of each recipe ingredient before mixing them. 

Next up is integration testing. This phase is vital because it's when the components, already approved during feature testing, come together. Picture assembling a puzzle; each piece must connect perfectly. Our developers meticulously ensure that the integration of features is smooth, paving the way for a seamless user experience. 

Regression testing acts as the safety net before a new release of an existing product. It's a thorough check to confirm that new features or updates haven't compromised existing functionalities. Imagine a final inspection before a spacecraft launch, double-checking every system to prevent any critical failures. 

Often running alongside these stages are different kinds of automated testing. These can include unit tests. If you've ordered unit tests as part of your project, we will automate the essential yet repetitive task of verifying that the smallest code units function correctly. It's akin to setting up dominoes; if one falls correctly, the rest should follow suit. 

Design testing focuses on the app's aesthetics and user interface, ensuring everything matches the initial design specifications. It's like an artist's final review of their work, ensuring every detail is perfect. 

After these stages, now we reach the user acceptance testing phase, or U.A.T for short, which is the main focus of this cast.  

This phase is unique because it shifts focus from the developers and testers to either you or a select group of internal users. It's the real-world test drive of the app, ensuring it meets the set specifications and user expectations. UAT is the final stamp of approval before the app's launch. 

It's essential to understand that this phase follows a traditional waterfall project approach, where everything is defined upfront, followed by development and testing. We will often follow a similar process for Agile projects that have a monthly development allowance, but this may occur alongside the development and release process rather than at the end of a project. 

UAT shouldn't be confused with pilot or beta testing, which has a broader audience and aims to gather feedback and identify unexpected issues. 

Preparing for and executing UAT is critical to the success of your project, so please take it very seriously. 

It's not merely about completing a checklist but ensuring the app resonates with its target audience and meets your requirements.  

As we delve into user acceptance testing, we'll discuss how to effectively prepare, set the right expectations, and seamlessly transition to a post-launch scenario where your app flourishes, adapting based on user feedback and evolving needs. 

 #Next, let’s set some expectations about the purpose of User Acceptance Testing. 

User Acceptance Testing (UAT) serves as the crucial final check before an app's release, much like the last dress rehearsal before a play's opening night. As a project stakeholder, this phase offers you the chance to confirm that the app not only meets the initial specifications but also lives up to your expectations and vision. Essentially, UAT answers the question: Have we achieved our goals? 

At its core, UAT aims to ensure the application aligns with the predefined specifications, giving you the chance to verify the development team's delivery against their commitments. Yet, UAT goes beyond mere tick-box exercises. It presents an opportunity to identify needs and wants that might have been missed or undervalued at the project's outset. Often, interacting with the app in a real-world setting reveals the necessity of certain features that, while not initially requested, prove vital for the app's success. 

Approaching these findings with a practical mindset is crucial. Additional features or changes discovered during UAT that weren't part of the original agreement may incur extra costs and prolong the development timeline. Here, the concept of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) proves invaluable. An MVP approach focuses on prioritizing essential functionalities for launch, with less critical improvements slated for future updates. 

Making decisions about what features to include in the initial release versus what to postpone requires careful consideration. Consulting resources on conducting an impact-effort matrix can greatly assist this process, helping balance the quest for perfection with the realities of time and budget constraints. This is a topic we cover in Episode three, “Achieve More with Less - A Guide to MVP Development Using the Impact-Effort Matrix”. 

Adopting this perspective for UAT sets the foundation for effective testing. It ensures focus on validating the app's adherence to its intended specifications while remaining open to recognising and prioritising any additional features or modifications that could boost the app's value after launch. The goal of UAT extends beyond testing; it's about refining and confirming that the final product faithfully reflects the vision and requirements established at the development journey's start. 

 #Now let’s move on to the U.A.T preparation process. 

Remember, the User Acceptance Testing journey ensures your mobile app meets both the project specifications and user expectations. Understanding the importance of time management and team coordination is crucial as you prepare for this phase. 

The typical allocation of a project month for UAT is not a leisurely timeline but a structured period designed for rigorous testing, revisions, and final approvals. It's essential to recognize that this time frame is intended for a dynamic process of testing, feedback, and iteration. The goal is to refine the app to the point where you are confident in its quality and functionality. 

So please don’t think you have a month to conduct all of your testing, this deadline is there to accommodate for both your tasks and ours! 

Week One: Dive Deep into Testing. 

The initial week of UAT is pivotal. Dedicate at least two full days, possibly more for larger apps, to conduct an exhaustive end-to-end test. This deep dive requires your undivided attention; minimize distractions and postpone checking emails to ensure thoroughness in your testing efforts. Encountering obstacles is inevitable, but strive to test around them to maintain momentum. 

A Collaborative Testing Process. 

While a significant portion of testing has been conducted by our team before the app reaches this stage, your unique perspective as the business owner and envisaged end-user is invaluable. You are likely to uncover nuances and usage patterns that were not previously identified, which is a natural and expected part of the process. Your discoveries, no matter how small, contribute to enhancing the app's overall quality and user experience. 

Utilizing Software Systems for Feedback. 

Scorchsoft will provide access to our project management tools for a streamlined process of reporting your findings throughout testing. This allows you to raise issues as ‘tickets’ in a methodical and organised way. This setup allows you to categorize your observations into immediate fixes or future enhancements, ensuring a clear distinction between urgent issues and those that can be addressed in subsequent phases. 

Ensuring Comprehensive Device Testing 

Another aspect of UAT preparation is the availability of both Apple iOS and Android devices. This ensures the app’s compatibility and performance across the two major platforms. 

Investing in or borrowing devices, if necessary, is advisable to cover a broad spectrum of user environments, including testing on older device models to gauge performance across different hardware generations. 

The Power of Team Testing.

Involving multiple team members, and possibly even customers, in the UAT process can offer diverse insights and identify potential usability concerns. Different perspectives can reveal issues or enhancements that might not be immediately apparent, enriching the overall testing process. So find out if others in your team can help with the process; This will make things more effective whilst also lightening the load on any one person. 

Role Clarity and Communication.

Assigning a project owner on your side to coordinate with our team is essential for maintaining alignment with the project's vision. This person acts as a filter, ensuring that all feedback and requests are consistent with the strategic goals of the app. If it’s just you conducting testing, then this role is easy to assign, it’s you! 

Adhering to the MVP Philosophy.

Finally, it’s important to remember the minimum viable product (MVP) philosophy during UAT. While it's tempting to address every potential improvement immediately, prioritizing mission-critical issues for the current phase and deferring others to future updates can be a more strategic approach. 

As you navigate through UAT, remember that this phase is not just about identifying issues but also about ensuring the app aligns with your vision and meets user expectations. With careful planning, clear communication, and a focus on critical functionalities, UAT can significantly contribute to the success of your mobile app. 

 #Next, I'm going to cover the process of actually doing the testing 

When embarking on the journey of User Acceptance Testing (UAT) for your app, it's crucial to adopt a strategic approach that covers all bases, ensuring a thorough evaluation of the app's functionality and user experience. There are several methodologies you can employ, each with its unique advantages and objectives. 

Starting off, you might lean towards an unassisted, more sporadic testing process. This method, though unstructured, involves navigating through the app or system in a manner that feels natural to you, without a predefined plan or checklist.  

This unstructured approach allows for spontaneity and might help you identify issues or user experience glitches from a fresh perspective. However, the downside is the potential to overlook specific functionalities or user paths that require attention. 

To complement this, consider doing a round of testing following a more structured approach by identifying the different types of users your app is designed for and understanding their objectives.  

Reflect on the user profiles and goals that were discussed during the planning stages. If such discussions didn't take place, take a moment to outline these now. For example, if your app is centred around event bookings, walk through the app from the perspective of a user looking to find and book events.  

Think about what they would want to do step by step, from browsing events, reading reviews, making a booking, paying for it, and later checking the status of their order. 

This method helps you step into the shoes of your users, making it easier to spot areas where the user experience may not align with expectations or where functionality could be optimized for better usability. 

Another testing strategy involves systematically reviewing the technical documentation provided, such as wireframes, technical specifications, or tickets that outline specific requirements. This process allows you to methodically assess whether each requirement has been met. A practical tip for handling documentation is to use color coding—marking items that meet the criteria in yellow or green and those that don't in red. This visual indicator simplifies the review process, enabling you to quickly identify areas that need attention.  

If you are unsure of which approach to start with, then this specification-lead approach follows the most methodical approach and is recommended for those new to the process. 

For teams employing Agile methodologies, a similar systematic approach can be applied to the review of tickets in project management software. Each ticket's status can be adjusted based on whether its requirements have been fulfilled or if issues have been identified, with the option to reopen tickets or create new ones for specific improvements or issues. 

The key takeaway is the importance of utilizing a blend of these testing strategies to ensure comprehensive coverage. If you're working with a team, delegate different approaches to various team members based on their expertise or perspective, such as design, customer experience, or technical specification alignment. This collaborative, multifaceted approach enhances the likelihood of delivering a robust, high-quality app that meets both the project specifications and user expectations. 

As issues are identified and reported, they'll be categorized as either within spec, requiring immediate action, or out of spec, potentially earmarked for future updates.  

This process is an expected part of refining the app, so it's important to approach it without frustration or disappointment. The ultimate goal is a stable, user-friendly app that everyone can be proud of. 

 # Next, lets look at what you should do throughout the testing process itself. 

During the user acceptance testing (UAT) phase, the goal extends beyond merely confirming that the app aligns with the technical specifications. It's about ensuring resilience, intuitive user journeys, and a seamless overall user experience. This comprehensive testing mindset requires a blend of creativity, attention to detail, and a willingness to explore the app's limits. 

Pushing Boundaries: Testing for Edge Cases 

One of the key strategies is to actively seek out and test edge cases. These are scenarios that might not occur under normal operation but could happen when users interact with the app in unexpected ways. Submit extreme data in forms, navigate the app in unconventional sequences, and generally try to use the app in ways the developers might not have anticipated. 

For example, input extremely large or small values in forms, test the app under low battery conditions, or simulate scenarios with poor network connectivity. These tests help ensure the app remains stable and functional under diverse user conditions, reducing the likelihood of unexpected issues post-launch. 

The aim is to uncover any potential weaknesses or bugs that could lead to crashes or unintended behaviour, ensuring the app's robustness even under unusual conditions. 

Aesthetic and Functional Integrity 

Pay close attention to the styling and design of the app. It should closely mirror the provided graphics and design specifications, albeit with allowances for necessary adjustments due to varying screen sizes and resolutions. Look for issues that genuinely affect the user experience, such as inconsistent spacing, incorrect wording, or elements that appear broken or out of place. 

Functionality checks are equally crucial. Verify that all intended features are present and working correctly. Test input fields, button actions, and the behaviour of different components under various conditions. If your app involves processes or statuses (like archiving an order), confirm that these function as expected and that transitions between states are smooth and accurate. 

Exploring User Journeys 

Evaluate the app's user journeys meticulously. Every screen should lead logically to the next, without any missing steps or confusing transitions. Ensure that the app's navigation is intuitive, and look for any potential points of confusion that could frustrate users. The language used throughout the app, from button labels to instructional text, should be clear, concise, and free of spelling or grammatical errors. 

Cross-Device and Browser Compatibility 

It's essential to test the app across a range of devices and browsers. This helps identify any platform-specific issues or inconsistencies, ensuring a uniform and positive experience for all users, regardless of how they access the app. 

The Importance of Feedback and Iteration 

Remember, finding issues isn't a sign of failure but an opportunity for improvement. Each identified bug or enhancement is a step towards refining the app into a more stable, intuitive, and user-friendly product. Your thorough testing and feedback are invaluable in this process, contributing to the app's success and reducing the risk of negative user experiences post-launch.  

You should expect to raise quite a few issues as you conduct testing, so please don’t be alarmed by that - It’s all part of the process. 

By adopting a diligent and comprehensive testing approach, you play a crucial role in ensuring that the final app not only meets but exceeds user expectations, offering a robust and enjoyable experience to all who use it. 

Now, here is what to expect once testing is completed. 

After your initial round of testing, the subsequent weeks are dedicated to a detailed process of iteration, where your feedback plays a pivotal role in refining the app. Here's how this phase unfolds: 

Once you've completed your testing, ideally within the first week, we transition into a phase of implementing the feedback you've provided.  

For Waterfall projects that have a fixed start and end, any issues or enhancements that fall within the initially agreed scope and specifications are promptly addressed. Should there be any findings outside of this scope, these will be catalogued, estimated for effort, and presented to you for decision-making.  

You'll have the autonomy to determine whether these additional items should be deferred to a later stage or if the project scope should be expanded to accommodate them now. 

Though please be warned! As new requirements introduced mid-U.A.T. may delay the launch deadline! So we typically recommend delaying most new feature requests or non-essential improvements for a second phased release. 

Following the incorporation of your feedback and the resolution of identified issues, we'll prepare and release a new version of the app for your verification. This stage is to ensure that all previously raised in-scope issues have been effectively addressed and that the app aligns with your expectations. 

To facilitate this process, all feedback items you raised will have been documented as tickets within our project management system. This system serves as a central repository and single source of truth for all issues, enhancements, and communications related to your project. As we work through your feedback, these tickets are updated to reflect progress, queries, and eventual resolution. 

Once the issues you’ve raised have been addressed, you will be invited to review each ticket systematically—confirming resolutions, noting any discrepancies, or providing additional feedback as necessary. 

As mentioned earlier, to streamline this process, we'll provide you with access and a brief introduction to this project management platform.  Remember, we use this tool to make the feedback and approval of issues raised as seamless and efficient as possible, allowing for clear tracking and management of all project-related items.  

While getting to grips with the system may require a small amount of learning, the long-term benefits of clarity, organization, and communication efficiency it brings cannot be overstated. Direct communication through email is always an option, but leveraging our project management tool significantly reduces the risk of oversight or miscommunication, ensuring a smoother and more transparent project progression for everyone involved. 

This structured approach to testing and raising tickets is central to our collaborative effort to deliver an app that meets your expectations as outlined in the project specifications. Again, we want to launch a product we are all proud of. 

 Now I want to set your expectations around what happens before we go live with the first version of your product. 

As we approach the launch phase of your app, you must have a clear understanding of what to expect and how to strategically navigate the final steps before making your product available to the wider public. This stage marks a significant milestone, transitioning from development and testing to actual user interaction and feedback in a live environment. It must be handled with care! 

Deploying to App Stores 

After completing the user acceptance testing (UAT) and ensuring the app meets your expectations, the next step involves deploying the app to the Apple and Android stores. This process requires the prior setup of store accounts, which we assist with early in the project to avoid any delays at this crucial juncture. With store accounts ready and our team having the necessary access, we proceed to publish your app. 

Alternatively, if your app is a web app or online portal, then your project will be pushed live onto the internet where it is accessible to users via a web browser. This skips the need to deploy to the app stores, but, other than this, much of the UAT process will remain identical.

Designing Store Content 

Designing engaging content for your app's store listing is key in attracting users. Consider creating visually appealing screenshots that highlight the app's key features, along with graphics that tell a compelling story of what users can achieve with your app. Tailoring these visuals to reflect the app's branding and user experience can significantly enhance its appeal, making it stand out in the crowded app stores. 

Recognizing the importance of a compelling app store presence, we offer services to design engaging content for your app's listing, including screenshots and visuals. This tailored service is designed to enhance your app's appeal to potential users. Please let us know if you would like us to create these assets for you, and we will provide you with a quote if it’s not already part of the project brief. 

And for web app projects, rather than worrying about an app store listing, your focus will be around having an effective website for marketing purposes instead.

The Pilot or Beta Testing Phase 

Before a full market launch, we strongly advocate for a pilot or beta testing phase. This controlled release to a select group of early users allows for real-world testing beyond the confines of development and UAT.  

This phase is useful for identifying any unforeseen issues, gathering user feedback, and making necessary adjustments before a broader release. Incorporating a feedback mechanism within the app itself can significantly mitigate the risk of negative reviews by providing users with a direct channel to report issues or suggestions.  

Some clients opt to launch without a pilot phase, which is possible but carries more risk. So please make this judgment call wisely. 

Supporting a pilot testing process usually falls outside our Waterfall project cycle. If you're interested in conducting one, it's crucial to establish the appropriate post-project support agreements. Please reach out to your designated project contact for more details on the available options.

Duration of Pilot Testing 

The duration of the pilot testing phase can vary, with a minimum of one month recommended to ensure thorough testing and feedback collection. Some projects may benefit from extending this phase up to three months, allowing for multiple iterations and refinements based on user input. While business needs and timelines may influence the duration of this phase, prioritizing comprehensive testing can significantly contribute to the app's success upon full release.  

Managing User Feedback.

Post-launch, user feedback will be invaluable for continuous improvement. 

However, it's essential to approach this feedback with discernment, prioritizing requests based on strategic business goals and the impact-effort matrix rather than the volume or intensity of user demands. This approach ensures that enhancements are aligned with your app's core objectives and user needs. 

If you would like more guidance on how to collect and prioritise customer feedback, then please check out Episode 10, “Mastering Customer Feedback - The Ultimate Tech Project Elevator”, where we delve into the indispensable role of customer feedback in elevating tech projects. We explore actionable strategies and insights for effectively integrating customer feedback into business processes, ensuring products meet and exceed customer expectations. 

Moving Forward: Agile Development and Retainers 

As touched on earlier, post-launch, we recommend transitioning to an agile development model supported by a retainer arrangement.  

Transitioning to an agile development approach post-launch, supported by a retainer, allows for flexibility in addressing emerging user needs and incorporating new features based on feedback. 

Structuring such a retainer involves defining an allocation of monthly activities that encompasses both ongoing support and the development of new functionalities. This approach ensures that your app can adapt and evolve in response to user feedback, maintaining its relevance and enhancing user satisfaction over time. It's a strategic investment in the app's continuous improvement, enabling swift responses to the dynamic demands of the market and user base. 

This agile setup provides flexibility to address ongoing maintenance needs and incorporate new features based on user feedback and evolving requirements. An agile retainer not only facilitates prompt responses to user needs but also ensures your app remains dynamic and competitive in the market. 

This phase is a crucial period of adaptation and growth, setting the foundation for your app's long-term success and user satisfaction. By preparing for and embracing the iterative nature of app development and user feedback, you position your product for a successful launch and sustained relevance in the market. 

 But these aren't the only things to consider when taking steps to ensure a robust and secure app launch.

Ensuring your app's successful launch can sometimes go beyond its functionality and user experience. It can also involve addressing critical security standards and scalability. 

For example, for apps expecting high user traffic, the demands on the hosting infrastructure increase substantially. An app poised for rapid growth, scaling from tens to hundreds of thousands of users quickly, requires advanced server solutions that can manage this growth without sacrificing performance or user experience. This strategic choice often means weighing potential costs against the risk to your business of failing to support rapid user expansion.

Scalability is crucial, but so is your app's security. Standard user acceptance testing is just the start. Load testing and penetration testing offer a comprehensive assessment of your server infrastructure readiness for launch. 

Load testing checks how well your server can handle high traffic volumes, ensuring your infrastructure can cope with the expected user load. 

Penetration testing, meanwhile, uncovers vulnerabilities by simulating cyber attacks on your app and server infrastructure, allowing you to proactively strengthen security. 

These advanced testing techniques are vital to ensure not just your app's functionality but its resilience and security at launch. If you're considering these extra layers of testing, Scorchsoft is here to help. We can guide you through the process, providing estimates and organising the necessary work to ensure your app launches successfully and remains robust and secure as it grows.

And that is most of what you need to know! 

I hope you've gained valuable insights into transforming your digital project from concept to a market hit. Remember, every stage of testing, from feature to user acceptance, plays a major role in refining your app, ensuring it not only functions seamlessly but also delivers an exceptional user experience that resonates with your audience. 

But the journey doesn’t end here. Post-launch, embracing the feedback and continuous improvement cycle is vital. As your app enters the real world, listening to your users and adapting based on their feedback will ensure your app remains relevant and continues to thrive. 

At Scorchsoft, we understand the complexities and challenges that come with developing and launching a successful app. Our expertise and dedication to quality ensure that we stand by you every step of the way, from initial concept through to launch and beyond. 

If you are already a valued Scorchsoft customer and are about to embark on the User Acceptance Testing process, then I hope this episode has provided valuable information to help you through the process. If you get stuck or have any questions, then please feel free to ask your project contact and we will be happy to help. 

And for those looking to take their app from idea to reality, remember, meticulous planning, testing, and user feedback are your roadmap to success. If you’re ready to embark on this journey, Scorchsoft is here to guide you. Reach out to us, and let’s turn your vision into a thriving digital product.  

Thank you for tuning into Tech Toolkit. I’m Andrew Ward, and I look forward to bringing you more insights and strategies in our next episode, designed to empower your business and innovation journey.