Good Agile Patterns

If your organization has decided to utilize an Agile framework, it is important to understand both how to implement these changes and how to test the implementation. This will allow you to make adjustments to the framework monitor performance and progression. Some of the implementation and monitoring methods for agile work hand-in-hand, allowing you to both implement the new agile framework at a controlled pace while identifying what needs to change during the process. 

One Product Backlog

Before you begin implementing any kind of coding into the system and begin making the framework shift, you need to create a single product backlog for each product team(s). The backlog will provide a current rundown of user asks, beginning with high priority stories and moving down to the less essential requirements. This single product backlog will help maintain communication through all development teams, reduce the overlapping of tasks and help ensure everyone understands what is going on.

Collaboration

Prior to adopting the new agile framework, you need to create a culture of collaboration within the company. It is important for everyone within the company to collaborate together. As you map out the Agile framework, you'll want to bring a tester, developer, and the Product Owner together to discuss the details of the framework, strategy to test specific features and to go through the backlog created.

During the collaborative process, you will better understand the specific needs of the business while the developer will indicate how these changes are best implemented. The tester should be able to point out potential issues with the implementation of the product. 

By bringing three different perspectives together you will achieve the dynamics of open collaboration.

Minimum Viable Product

Depending on the nature of your business, utilizing a minimum viable product (MVP) is a valuable method to receive feedback directly from your customers as you begin to make the shift to the agile framework. The software provides valuable data via usage patterns. You can also perform regression testing through implemented test hypotheses. By identifying what works for your customers you will cut down on wasted time by your business, engineering and IT departments. 

With the help of the MVP, you greatly reduce the learning curve not only for the Product Owner but for your entire team, as well as the customers. Following the release of the MVP and studying the data obtained through testing the hypotheses, you'll be able to implement changes with more confidence of a product-market fit.

Best Practices with Training Courses and Certifications

Implementing Agile doesn't happen overnight. Offering training for upskilling will help minimize change resistance and grow confidence in people in new roles.

There are a number of training course options, each of which focuses on different aspects of Agile. Training can include courses for engineering, DevOps, coaching, and leadership.

Begin Regression Testing in Agile Development

Following the creation of a single product backlog and training, it is important to begin testing as early on in the scaled agile implementation as possible. This will help prevent the manifestation of a potential problem, which can cause the entire framework to fall apart later on. The more embedded an error within the framework, the more difficult it becomes to correct. Often times it requires the complete deconstruction of the framework to find the mistake and make the correction. With the aid of regression testing in agile development, it is easier to avoid these kinds of issues. 

Before you begin regression testing you'll need to select the test cases that need to be executed. You'll also want to know what improvements are desired within each test case. To do this, you and your development teams need to identify the reasons why you're implementing a scaled agile framework and what the ideal outcome is before moving forward. By having this shared, concrete understanding of what is expected, it will become easier to implement and test.

Forms of Regression Testing

With the MVP in place, the necessary software installed and the collaborative measures in place for the product managers, developers, and testers, you can begin regression testing. Regression testing in agile is generally broken down into two forms of testing. These are known as Sprint Level and End to End. Regression testing must be performed in short time spans. This way you can identify as quickly as possible what is going on and what needs to be adjusted. 

With Sprint Level, the regression test targets new functions that have been introduced in the latest release, while End to End tests the core functions of the product (remember, it is best to begin with the minimum value product and then move up to the maximum value products as the framework improves). 

Regression Approaches

As you continue on with regression testing, your agile teams and product management will want to focus on different approaches. There is the traditional approach, which focuses on each sprint cycle. This method makes it easier to perform any necessary corrections quickly once an issue is identified. 

There is then the delayed approach (usually a week or so). This means adjustments are not performed during that time period. This method can prove beneficial following the traditional approach, as fewer problems occur and stopping the agile implementation isn't needed. 

At times you may want to implement a delayed sprint approach, in which the regression testing is performed on subsequent sprints that contain information used on previous sprints. This method does reduce the need to perform two different regression test cycles. However, this method does increase the need for maintenance and adds complexity and overheads. 

Proper Training Is Critical

As your development team and the company as a whole begins to move towards an agile scaling framework and its implementation, it is essential for you, and other members of the company, to receive comprehensive education on the process. With the aid of certifications and training courses, you'll have a better understanding of how to perform the agile framework installation, as well as the ability to identify the best forms of regression testing. If you're ready, now is the time to look into the offered agile courses that fit into the needs of your business.