Topic: Generic Test Plan Advice

Generic Test Plan Advice:

    * Make Them Context Rich: Context-rich test plans contain seemingly unimportant details that often do help reduce confusion, document test details that might be needed, and/or help explain any unexplained results.
    * Use Hypertext: It's often helpful to add links to other parts of the same document (i.e. "jump to conclusion," "see details," "see references").
    * Add Key Assumptions: Listing key assumptions in the plan can be important for setting reader expectations, influencing approval, assuring management that the test is well thought out, explaining unexpected results, and providing direction for future tests. Example assumptions are as follows:
          o "Results are assumed to contain an even distribution of errors."
          o "Temperature change stabilization times selected are assumed to be sufficient."
    * Convert Test Plan into a Test Report as Possible: Test plans can often be converted into test reports. Some sections only change in tense. Other sections can be reused exactly as they were written.
    * Take Extra Data-Related Precautions: Ensure sampling is representative of the population (random and unbiased), personally observe data collection, and make sure the measurement system is capable.
    * Develop Test Libraries: Standard tests and/or test results from prior tests (especially reliability tests) should be easily accessed and re-used as applicable and possible.