Test Axioms

Summary

The outcome of a test and the way evidence is presented defines its value, regardless of its source.

Consequence if ignored or violated

The approach to testing is an end in itself. The test evidence generated lacks relevance, is ignored, is misunderstood, is inappropriate and has little value to the people that matter.

Questions

• What acceptance decisions must stakeholders make?
• What evidence do stakeholders need to make these decisions with confidence?
• When can the required evidence be gathered?
• Who needs to provide subject-matter expertise to inform the testing (and make it valuable)?
• Who are best placed to perform these tests?
• Are the people or organisations nominated to perform the tests capable of doing so?
• What environment and infrastructure is required to make the testing meaningful and valuable?