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Testing has to be fit for purpose too

jo2sn LEGO, Softwaretesting , , , , ,
Reading some quality process documents I found the following definition:
  • To detect and remove errors before the computer system is put into production
  • To demonstrate that the computer system is fit for intended use

But when we look at the ITIL definition of the value composition of a service – it looks fit for use, as above: follows the requirements, sufficient – what the customer gets. But also – at an equal base, it looks at fit for purpose: it has a positive effect on the business, it solves a business problem, solving the right problem. The product is a solution. If the problem isn’t solved, the product doesn’t work.

see also: Uncovering better ways  Softwaretesting is only dead, if it stands still I didn’t open it

More than carrots and sticks

jo2sn Enterprise IT, Softwaretesting , , , ,

motivation

There is more to motivation than carrots and sticks – or in the case of the image above: Gold and rotten potatoes.

  • The poor farmer above had the potato harvest fail, and they had to move driven by fear, hunger, despair – at being targeted for outplacement…. as modern management speak would label depleted human resources.
  • The wise guy with the pickaxe is out for the rewards of the gold. Out for the cheat and greed of the quick fix. They though fails to deliver in the long run. The balanced score card is loaded for the current budget – containing only my, myself and I.
  • Lady Liberty in the back as a symbol of opportunities and unknown rewards. A New Hope. I doubt that many immigrants of the days ever visited the monument in the turmoil – it remained only a beacon…

 So what has this got to do about testing? 

Motivating people is very much about leading testers. But the three “personas” above might also inspire in thinking about things to test:

– Where are the burning platforms?

– Where are the quick rewards?

– Where are the long-term rewards?

If you are not Alan Page – go see RSA Animate – Drive: The surprising truth about what motivates us

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6XAPnuFjJc

The unknown unknown unexpressed expectations

jo2sn Enterprise IT, Softwaretesting , , , ,
  • There are things I know, I know
  • There are things I know, I don’t know
  • There are things I don’t know, I know
  • There are things I don’t know, I don’t know

I’m mostly worried about the last one.

  • Information I am assumed to have, but I don’t
  • Expectations to me, that are not expressed
  • Considerations that I aught to take, but I can’t see
  • Things I should remember, but I didn’t

and the consequence being  frustration that I am the one not knowing. #gofigure

See also Eating wicked problems for breakfast, Even superheros need help, How to spot defects Innovation is about the unknown – deal with it  All oracles are failable

Get moving

jo2sn Enterprise IT , , , , ,

After Linda Risings‘ talk on “Problem-solving and Decision-making in Software Development” I had the opportunity to talk to them on their key messages of today’s GOTO training.

MOVE – Humans are not meant to sit still, we need to get up, walk, run, stand. Some companies have thread mill desks! Pilgrim walks are the talk of the town – and instead of having a 1-1 meeting – try walking. A walk after a family dinner is good for both health and social chit-chat. The same is true at work – talk a walk, MOVE!

“Get moving or someone else will move you – especially at work”, was  another topic we discussed. If your job is not making you happy, if the agile and innovative practices are being cut. BE BRAVE and boost your competencies. In these days you can either go with the downwind of companies cutting the wrong costs or go with the upwind of places that walk-the-talk.

See also: If In Doubt – Learn!, Eating wicked problems for breakfast, Innovation is about the unknown – deal with it, Softwaretesting is only dead, if it stands still

[Disclaimer: I had press access to GOTO-Arhus2012 on behalf on GOTOCON]

That’s what friends are for

jo2sn Family and fun, LEGO , , ,

“Simon”, 6yo, wants a LEGO Friends set [3930]. The furniture and cakes is for their hero mini-figure “The Rescue Diver” of the city “Runkelberg”. Stephanie in the set will be a doll, that the evil villain “Thorkild” can hammer. The Rescue Diver has the power of having a shadow that can move independently – while the oldest sing “Batman’s  lone hero song – being a long way away from home“.

//Keep smiling – keep shining – Knowing you can always count on me – for sure //

A colleague brought homemade cupcakes to work yesterday. I had the day off – but they saved one for me for the next day. A colleague in another department is not in – text her. She’s ill and send my best wishes. Writing to a friend, about a former colleague just home from hospital – here chocolate is being ordered.

Eating wicked problems for breakfast

jo2sn Enterprise IT, Softwaretesting , , ,

Software testing is a wicked problem* – we eat the test environment problems and puzzling defects first thing in the morning. Like this one I’m Puzzled and Bugged: An odd mouse click problem on Win7 We try to understand what problem the sponsor really want is to provide information on.

There is no definitive formulation of a wicked problem [ Wicked Problems | Mary Poppendieck ]. Wikipedia have another, the key message is: Wicked problems cannot be solved in a traditional linear fashion, because the problem definition evolves as new possible solutions are considered and/or implemented.    

Testing at best have stopping heuristics, like running out of chocolate and other incentives. The results of testing is never passed/fail, it’s a finite sampling over an infinite space – complete coverage is a myth. And context is the most important factor in all testing activities. We learn as we test and explore the system.

So what better way to spend a morning than attending [ GOTO Aarhus 2012 | Problem-solving and Decision-making ]:

For those of us who struggle with complex problems for a living, unfortunately, don’t have time to keep up with the enormous amount of research in cognitive science that would help us be better thinkers. 

*(Originally coined by Michael Osborne, SQNZ April 2002). 

I’m an Official blogger for GOTO Aarhus 2012 – see also Testers are developers too – and the other way around 

Workshop facilitation using LEGO

jo2sn Enterprise IT, LEGO, Softwaretesting , , ,

As well known, LEGO is synonymous with “Play well” – for both kids and AFOLs. But seriously, LEGO is more than that, consider:

[LEGO Serious Play]

LEGO SERIOUS PLAY uses LEGO bricks and elements and a unique method where people are empowered to “think through their fingers” – unleashing insight, inspiration and imagination. In a very direct way, you will be able to see what everyone knows inside the company – and what they don’t know they know! Within a surprisingly short time, an organization can have a clear, shared direction with people who are confidently aligned and committed to a course of action.

[ Lean LEGO – The red brick cancer ]

If you would build a LEGO time line of your processes, would they be mostly red and yellow? Or would they be mostly green?

Besides the   where I elaborated on how LEGO mini figures could facilitate a discussion on both tester types and team skills. Recently I have had the personal opportunity to participate in a facilitation training, where LEGO bricks and figs was used to illustrate team members, represent user personas and user innovations. So the thing is – what do you need to get started? Choose your pieces by context: Customised Minifigures, city people or a huge pile of bricks?