User Testing

Definition

• User or customer testing is a stage in the testing process in which users or customers provide input and advice on system testing.
• Users experiment with a new software product to see if they like it and that it does what they need.

Importance of User Testing

User testing is essential. Because the influences from the user's working environment have a major effect on the reliability, performance, usability, and robustness of a system.

Types of User Testing

1. Alpha testing: Users of the software work with the development team to test the software at the developer's site.
2. Beta testing: A release of the software is made available to users to allow them to experiment and to raise problems.
3. Acceptance testing: Customers test a system to decide whether it is ready to be accepted and deployed in the customer environment.

Stages in Acceptance Testing

The Acceptance Testing Process

1. Define acceptance criteria
2. Plan acceptance testing
3. Derive acceptance tests
4. Run acceptance tests
5. Negotiate test results
6. Reject/accept system