What is user acceptance testing (UAT)?
What is user acceptance testing (UAT)?
User acceptance testing, also known as end-user testing, is a stage towards the end of the software development lifecycle (SDLC). It takes place before software is ready to “go live”, validating that the software works as intended in real-life scenarios.
Ideally, user acceptance testing is carried out by a sample of real users, rather than testers or developers. This ensures that the testing is reflective of how the software will be used day-to-day when it’s released. As users complete real-world tasks and workflows, any bugs, defects, or usability feedback are passed to the development team so they can make improvements before launch.
When does user acceptance testing take place?
User acceptance testing takes place after software has been developed and quality assurance (the process of ensuring product quality, also known as QA) has been carried out. User acceptance testing is usually the final stage before deployment but the first stage at which anyone outside of the development team is using the software end-to-end.
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What is the purpose of user acceptance testing?
The purpose of user acceptance testing is to confirm that software is ready for release by validating it in a real-world context. Unlike earlier testing stages, which focus on identifying technical defects, user acceptance testing verifies that the software meets business requirements and supports the tasks users need to complete.
User acceptance testing also helps reduce the risk of problems after launch. Testing is guided by predefined acceptance criteria that define the expected outcomes for key workflows, such as completing onboarding, signing in, making a purchase, or using core features successfully. Any issues identified can be resolved before release, improving the overall user experience.
What happens during user acceptance testing?
During user acceptance testing, participants complete a series of predefined tasks that reflect how the software will be used in practice. These test scenarios are based on common user journeys and business processes, with results measured against agreed acceptance criteria to determine whether the software is ready for release.
Any defects, unexpected behaviour, or usability issues discovered during testing are documented and reviewed by the development team. Once these issues have been addressed, the software may go through another round of user acceptance testing to confirm the fixes before receiving final approval for release.
User acceptance testing in mobile app development
User acceptance testing is a key stage in any software development process, and perhaps even more crucial when it comes to the development of mobile apps. A positive user experience (UX) is central to app success. With attention spans decreasing and more apps competing in the marketplace, launching an app that will present a real user with bugs or defects is a no-go. User acceptance testing can mitigate this risk by running all “user journeys” (all user tasks within the app) past a test user before the app is deployed.
User acceptance testing focuses on the functionality of an app and whether it meets user and business requirements. Based on test results, the development team resolves issues before release.
A related but distinct branch of testing is usability testing. This covers how intuitive and user-friendly an app is, including the app’s interface, navigation, and overall user experience. The combined goal of user acceptance testing and usability testing is a well-designed app that is enjoyable to use and functions as intended.
User acceptance testing vs. beta testing
Although user acceptance testing and beta testing are sometimes confused, they serve different purposes. User acceptance testing takes place before launch in a controlled testing environment to verify that the software meets business requirements. Beta testing typically follows, making the software available to a broader group of external users who provide feedback based on real-world use. While both help improve software quality, user acceptance testing determines whether the product is ready for release, whereas beta testing helps identify issues that may only emerge at a larger scale.
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