How do you adjust quality assurance for different products?

1 Assess the product scope and complexity

The first step is to understand the product scope and complexity, which refers to the size, variety, and interdependence of the product components and requirements. A product with a large scope and high complexity may need more QA resources, time, and techniques than a product with a small scope and low complexity. For example, a web application that has multiple pages, features, and integrations may require more testing and reviewing than a simple landing page. Therefore, you should assess the product scope and complexity to plan and allocate your QA resources, time, and techniques accordingly.

2 Define the quality criteria and standards

The second step is to define the quality criteria and standards, which are the measurable and verifiable attributes and expectations of the product quality. Quality criteria and standards may vary depending on the product type, industry, domain, and customer needs. For example, a medical device may have stricter quality criteria and standards than a gaming app, as the former may have more safety and regulatory implications. Therefore, you should define the quality criteria and standards for your product based on the relevant factors and sources, such as customer feedback, industry best practices, regulatory requirements, and quality models.

3 Choose the appropriate QA methods and tools

The third step is to choose the appropriate QA methods and tools, which are the strategies and technologies that help you perform QA activities and tasks. QA methods and tools may differ depending on the product characteristics, development methodology, and quality objectives. For example, a product that is developed using agile methods may benefit from automated testing and continuous integration tools, while a product that is developed using waterfall methods may rely more on manual testing and documentation tools. Therefore, you should choose the QA methods and tools that suit your product characteristics, development methodology, and quality objectives.

4 Implement the QA process and activities

The fourth step is to implement the QA process and activities, which are the actions and procedures that help you check, verify, and improve the product quality. QA process and activities may include planning, designing, executing, reporting, and analyzing tests, reviews, audits, inspections, and evaluations. The implementation of the QA process and activities may depend on the product stage, schedule, and status. For example, a product that is in the early stage of development may need more exploratory testing and prototyping, while a product that is in the final stage of delivery may need more regression testing and validation. Therefore, you should implement the QA process and activities according to the product stage, schedule, and status.

5 Monitor and measure the QA results and outcomes

The fifth step is to monitor and measure the QA results and outcomes, which are the data and information that help you evaluate the product quality and performance. QA results and outcomes may include metrics, indicators, reports, feedback, and lessons learned. The monitoring and measurement of the QA results and outcomes may depend on the product goals, risks, and issues. For example, a product that has high goals, risks, and issues may need more frequent and detailed monitoring and measurement than a product that has low goals, risks, and issues. Therefore, you should monitor and measure the QA results and outcomes based on the product goals, risks, and issues.

6 Adjust and improve the QA process and activities

The sixth and final step is to adjust and improve the QA process and activities, which are the changes and enhancements that help you optimize the product quality and customer satisfaction. Adjusting and improving the QA process and activities may involve reviewing, updating, and refining the QA resources, time, techniques, methods, tools, criteria, standards, and objectives. The adjustment and improvement of the QA process and activities may depend on the product feedback, changes, and opportunities. For example, a product that receives positive feedback, minor changes, and new opportunities may need less adjustment and improvement than a product that receives negative feedback, major changes, and limited opportunities. Therefore, you should adjust and improve the QA process and activities based on the product feedback, changes, and opportunities.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?