Last updated on Jul 20, 2024

Developers and QA testers clash over bug severity. How can you find common ground and resolve the conflict?

In the dynamic world of software development, a common scenario is the clash between developers and Quality Assurance (QA) testers over the severity of bugs. This discord can lead to project delays, frustration, and a compromised product if not addressed. Understanding the perspectives of both parties and finding common ground is crucial for a successful and harmonious development process. Let's delve into how you can bridge the gap and resolve conflicts related to bug severity.

1 Understanding Roles

Developers and QA testers play distinct yet complementary roles in system development. Developers are tasked with creating software, while QA testers are responsible for identifying any issues or 'bugs' that could affect functionality or user experience. A clash often arises when QA testers flag a bug as high severity, but developers assess it as lower priority, based on their understanding of the code and the system's architecture. Recognizing the expertise and perspective that each role brings to the table is the first step towards resolving these disagreements.

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Julio Santos

Architect Software | ServiceNow | DevOps Software Engineer | Artificial Intelligence | Full Stack Software Engineer | Software Engineer
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To find common ground between developers and QA testers on bug severity, facilitate open communication through regular meetings where both sides can present their perspectives. Establish clear criteria for bug severity and involve both teams in defining these standards. Encourage collaboration by having joint troubleshooting sessions and maintaining a focus on the shared goal of product quality. Implement a feedback loop to continuously improve the process based on team experiences.

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2 Communication Key

Effective communication is the cornerstone of resolving conflicts between developers and QA testers. When a bug's severity is disputed, it's important to facilitate a conversation where both parties can present their viewpoints. Developers should explain why they believe a bug may not be as severe, considering factors like user impact and frequency. Conversely, QA testers should detail their findings and the potential risks of not addressing the issue promptly. Through open dialogue, a mutual understanding can be reached.

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3 Severity Standards

To mitigate the subjectivity in bug severity assessments, establishing clear severity standards is beneficial. These standards should define what constitutes a 'critical', 'high', 'medium', or 'low' severity bug, with specific examples and criteria. By having a shared reference, both developers and QA testers can evaluate bugs against these benchmarks, reducing personal bias and helping to align their perspectives on the importance of fixing certain issues.

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4 Prioritization Process

A well-defined prioritization process can help developers and QA testers agree on which bugs to tackle first. This process should take into account the severity standards, the project timeline, and the resources available. By agreeing on a process that considers the impact on the end-user and the technical complexity of a fix, both parties can focus on addressing the most critical issues first, ensuring a strategic approach to bug resolution.

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Vishal Gupta

MTS - QA at blueStacks(now.gg)
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To bridge the gap between developers and QA testers on bug severity, establish clear, shared criteria for severity levels. Involve both teams in defining these levels, ensuring alignment on their meaning. Encourage open communication and collaboration when assessing bugs, fostering understanding of each other's perspectives. Prioritize bugs based on their impact on users and product goals, not just technical difficulty. Regularly review and refine the severity criteria to adapt to evolving project needs. Ultimately, a shared understanding of bug severity is essential for efficient bug resolution and product quality.

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5 Collaborative Tools

Leveraging collaborative tools can greatly enhance the interaction between developers and QA testers. Issue tracking systems allow both parties to document bugs, discuss them, and track their resolution progress. These tools provide transparency and a history of decisions made, which is invaluable when revisiting past issues or when similar disputes arise. Ensuring that everyone is using these tools effectively can streamline the conflict resolution process.

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6 Empathy Exercise

Finally, fostering empathy between developers and QA testers can go a long way in resolving conflicts. Encouraging each party to step into the other's shoes, perhaps through role-swapping exercises or joint problem-solving sessions, can build a deeper understanding of each other's challenges and constraints. When both parties appreciate the pressures and objectives that their counterparts face, they are more likely to collaborate effectively and find common ground on bug severity issues.

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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?

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Developers and QA testers clash over bug severity. How can you find common ground and resolve the conflict?

1

2

3

4

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1 Understanding Roles

2 Communication Key

3 Severity Standards

4 Prioritization Process

5 Collaborative Tools

6 Empathy Exercise

7 Here’s what else to consider

System Development

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Developers and QA testers clash over bug severity. How can you find common ground and resolve the conflict?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understanding Roles

2 Communication Key

3 Severity Standards

4 Prioritization Process

5 Collaborative Tools

6 Empathy Exercise

7 Here’s what else to consider

System Development

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