Engaging a diverse set of stakeholders in the risk identification process increases the likelihood of uncovering a comprehensive range of significant risks. Test Analysts, equipped with specialized knowledge of the business domain, are well-suited for various tasks:
- Expert Interviews: Interacting with domain experts and users to gain insights.
- Independent Assessments: Evaluating the system independently to identify potential risks.
- Risk Templates: Utilizing predefined risk templates for systematic identification.
- Risk Workshops: Actively participate in workshops dedicated to risk exploration.
- Brainstorming Sessions: Collaborating in sessions with potential and current users to uncover risks.
- Testing Checklists: Defining comprehensive checklists for systematic risk evaluation.
- Past Experience: Drawing on previous experience with similar systems or projects to identify recurring risks.
Collaborating closely with users and domain experts, such as requirement engineers and business analysts, is crucial for Test Analysts. This partnership helps pinpoint areas of business risk that should be addressed during testing. In Agile software development, this continuous collaboration facilitates regular risk identification, often integrated into iteration planning meetings.
Examples of potential risks in a project may include:
- Functional Correctness: Issues related to incorrect calculations.
- Usability: Challenges like insufficient keyboard shortcuts affect user experience.
- Portability: Difficulties, such as the inability to install the application on specific platforms.