The AI Chasm - Adoption vs. Acceptance
Posted by Randall Rice on 6/5/2026 to
Software Testing
When assessing the success and value of a software product, one metric frequently measured is adoption. In other words, how many people are using or engaging with the product/technology? For example, one measure of adoption is the number of people using it. Sometimes, this gets reported by age group, country, etc.
It’s easy to misinterpret adoption with acceptance. People may be using something, but only because they are forced to, as in the case of enterprise applications.
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Crossing the Line - Testing Agentic AI
Posted by Randall Rice on 5/15/2026 to
Software Testing
There is a line that exists not only in software, but also in other domains such as writing, music, and movies, just to name a few. That line is the release point of whatever is being built. Before the release point, there is an opportunity to find and fix defects before the intended audience experiences them. In pre-release, testing is possible.
Meaningless Metrics…And Some That Matter
Posted by Randall Rice on 4/27/2026 to
Software Testing
Meaningless Metrics…And Some That Matter I learned early on in my 38-year QA and Testing career that measurement and metrics are important parts of evaluating quality. I have also learned that it’s tempting to measure so many
Be the Real You!
Posted by Randall Rice on 4/15/2026 to
Learning & Development
Last evening I was watching some YouTube videos to wind down. One video in particular looked interesting, so I started watching. At first, I didn't notice anything off. But the longer I watched, the more I got the feeling that this wasn't real. 
Making the Transition from Manual to Automated Testing
Posted by Randall Rice on 3/28/2025 to
Learning & Development
I often get questions about how to transition from a manual
tester to one who can also work with test automation. This is asked by both
individuals and test team leaders who would like to see their team gain test automation skills.
The High Cost of Low Learning
Posted by Randall Rice on 2/7/2025 to
Learning & Development
As a consultant and trainer in many organizations the last
thirty-five years, I have observed that the organizations that tend to grow and
be innovative also invest in training. These organizations see
Happy New Year!!
Posted by Randall Rice on 1/1/2025 to
News
Here's to a new year! I wish you a great 2025. This is a new year with new opportunities, including me and Rice Consulting. Starting today, I will be fully back in practice.
Solving the Right Problem – Step One in Software Development
Posted by Randall Rice on 12/18/2024 to
Software Testing
When you boil it all down, the first and primary task of software development is problem analysis.
Although many people commonly view software development as the process
of defining requirements and specifications, writing code and testing
it, if the problem to be solved has not been correctly defined, the
wrong solution will be delivered. Perhaps this helps to explain the high
rate of software project failures. Everything I Know About Testing I Learned From the Bible
Posted by Randall Rice on 12/18/2024 to
Software Testing
A realization struck me some while ago during a time of Bible study that many of the basic principles that are foundations for good testing practice are found in the Bible. Since that realization, it has been interesting to search for scripture 
TestStorming - A Collaborative Approach to Software Test Design
Posted by Randall Rice on 7/19/2024 to
Software Testing
There are many ways to approach test design. These approaches range from checklists to very precise algorithms in which test conditions are combined to achieve the most efficiency in testing.
There are situations, such as in testing mobile
Building Your Test Team
Posted by Randall Rice on 6/25/2024 to
Learning & Development
I've seen many companies struggle in the team rebuilding process, mainly
due to simply getting people on the same basis of knowledge. The thing
to consider is, when you start to being new people into your teams, how
will they build the skills they need to be effective on your team?
Integration and Interoperability Testing of Software
Posted by Randall Rice on 6/21/2024 to
Software Testing
My last post about the American Airlines baggage system failure mentioned interoperability testing and it got me thinking about this important type of testing that is often minimized or overlooked in systems testing.
American Airlines Baggage Failure Gets Personal
Posted by Randall Rice on 6/21/2024 to
Software Testing
NOTE: This was originally posted in 2008, but I feel the lessons are still important. I have posted previously about my disdain for the term "glitch", especially when it is misused to describe a major computing problem or failure. "Glitch"
Keys to Successful User Acceptance Testing
Posted by Randall Rice on 6/21/2024 to
Software Testing
I get a lot of questions each month about user acceptance testing (UAT) - what it is, how to perform it, which (if any) tools to use, and a variety of other questions.
What is Software Testing?
Posted by Randall Rice on 6/18/2024 to
Perhaps you get this question from family and friends. I know I do! Or, perhaps you have stumbled upon this blog and are wondering what this site about software testing is all about.
Testing Without Defined Specifications
Posted by Randall Rice on 6/18/2024 to
When I suggest there are other ways to design and evaluate tests besides requirements, the
response is similar to the time I accidentally walked into the glass of
the revolving door at the Portland airport- surprise, followed by
intense laughter.
Things I Tell New Testers
Posted by Randall Rice on 6/18/2024 to
As I have led and trained test teams over the years, there are some
things that I routinely make sure I convey to new testers. Whether you
are new to testing, or a seasoned professional, these are helpful things
to remember.
TestStorming - A Collaborative Approach to Software Test Design
Posted by Randall W. Rice on 6/17/2024 to
There are many ways to approach test design. These approaches range from checklists to very precise algorithms in which test conditions are combined to achieve the most efficiency in testing. In all approaches, creativity is needed.
The Role of Stakeholders in Software Test Planning
Posted by Randall Rice on 6/17/2024 to
Test planning is one of those critical test activities that benefits from collaboration. While the test leader or manager is typically responsible for the creation and finalization of a test plan, there can be many contributors, such as stakeholders.
How to Develop Test Cases and Test Scripts for Web Testing
Posted by Randall Rice on 6/17/2024 to
Test scripting has been a popular way to build testware since the advent of interactive software. With Graphical User Interfaces and web-based interfaces, the use of test scripts should be carefully considered. In some cases, test scripts maybe helpful. In other situations, test cases may be all you need.
The 20 Most Common Software Problems
Posted by Randy Rice on 3/25/2024 to
After over 30 years
of combined software defect analysis performed by ourselves and
colleagues, we have identified 20 common software problems. These common
software problems appear in a wide variety of applications and
environments, but are especially prone to be seen in dirty systems.
Live Virtual ISTQB Foundation Course - West Coast Schedule - April 28 & 29, May 1 - 3, 2023
Posted by Randy Rice on 3/10/2023 to
I hope you can join me for a special live virtual ISTQB Foundation Level class on West Coast time. The dates are April 27 - 28 (Thurs/Fri) and May 1 - 3 (Mon - Wed) 2023. The times are 8 a.m. to Noon, PDT.
I only teach one or two public live
December 2022 End of Year Discounts
Posted by Randy Rice on 12/2/2022 to
Each
year, I hold a special sale event for people who want (or need) some of
those end-of-year training dollars. I like to provide as much value as
possible, so if you are a test team leader or test manager, this is a
great way to get training December 2021 End-of-Year Special Discounts!
Posted by Randy Rice on 11/24/2021 to
News
Each year, I hold a special sale event for people who want (or need) some of those end-of-year training dollars. I like to provide as much value as possible, so if you are a test team leader or test manager, this is a great way to get training New Live Virtual Course Schedule
Posted by Randy Rice on 3/24/2020 to
Check out our new virtual training schedule.
Whether your company has enacted travel restrictions for the Coronavirus concerns, or you have other reasons for not traveling, live virtual training offers a great option.
Your instructor will be Randall Rice, an expert trainer in software testing and ISTQB test certification.
For a class to form, we need at least 5 participants. If 3 or more people from the same company enroll, a 10% discount is offered.
Please check to see if your desired course includes the exam fee. If not, exam vouchers can be added at the time of purchase. RCS supplies and sells only ASTQB exams.
For people in the United States who register at least 2 weeks before the class start date, a physical book will be shipped.
In addition, all attendees will get a 30-day registration to the e-Learning version of the course for review.
Whether your company has enacted travel restrictions for the Coronavirus concerns, or you have other reasons for not traveling, live virtual training offers a great option.
Your instructor will be Randall Rice, an expert trainer in software testing and ISTQB test certification.
For a class to form, we need at least 5 participants. If 3 or more people from the same company enroll, a 10% discount is offered.
Please check to see if your desired course includes the exam fee. If not, exam vouchers can be added at the time of purchase. RCS supplies and sells only ASTQB exams.
For people in the United States who register at least 2 weeks before the class start date, a physical book will be shipped.
In addition, all attendees will get a 30-day registration to the e-Learning version of the course for review.
Class times are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT
