Test Approach: First fit vs Best Fit

A picture is worth a thousand words…… Presenting the synopsis of what i mean

The nut bolt analogy would give u a small idea of how this is relevant to testing. There is always a set of N possible ways to test and application/product. This is the “superset of all solutions”. Out of this a small subset can be derived by using filters like

• Feasibility
• Compatibility
• Efficiency
• Capability
• Time

Once this subset has been derived, we reach the set of n possible testing solutions. Now in most delivery models that i have encountered, the focus of the testing group is to find out “a” solution rather than “the” solutions. Especially in the Indian IT scenario testers are highly susceptible to the “tunnel vision syndrome” where the first solutions that rings a bell is pursued.

What do I do about it?

Well for starts here are a few pointers:

• To start creating an overall strategy, have the best testers on-board work in silos.
• DO NOT rely on the collective intelligence of the team at this stage. That will come in later.
• DO NOT interfere with the independent thought process of the the “silo’ed testers”.
• Once individual approaches are derived, bring the team to the table.
• Battle mode: This is where “collective intelligence” begins. Discuss the various approaches on table.
• Survival of the fittest: Darwinian theory will do the rest for you. The best will emerge as none of the “silo approaches” but as the common maximum of the best approaches put forth by each tester.

This is how you can ascertain the “best fit” test approach and NOT pursue the first stray thought.

Testing principle: Excellence is always instilled never inbuilt.

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