Testing Peers
Testing Peers is a growing community of ~60 peers in testing, software quality, agility, test leadership, engineering management, and broader software development. We’re united by a shared goal: to drive quality in everything we do within our workplaces and beyond. Through collaboration, accountability, and mutual support, we strive to elevate one another both professionally and personally.
The Testing Peers podcast is now expanding beyond its original four hosts, David Maynard, Chris Armstrong, Russell Craxford and Simon Prior, striving to represent the voices of a diverse and thriving community. Our inaugural in-person conference, PeersCon, launched in Nottingham in March 2024 and will return in March 2025, further solidifying Testing Peers as a not-for-profit, by testers, for testers initiative.
Testing Peers
Holiday Season Backlog Refinement
Seasons Greetings! Thank you for joining us for our fifth annual podcast at Christmastime, this year's festive cheers with the Testing Peers brings Russell, Simon, David, Tara, Beth & Chris together to refine the holiday season backlog [see the footnote after the sponsor message for more details].
Who doesn't feel the festive warm & fuzzies over a refinement session?
Before we jump in, Russell warms us all up with an ice breaker based on Christmas drink preferences.
The we all dive in.
Chris (the business - in this case) has populated a series of epics for the team of Peers to commit to delegating Christmas on time.
Christmas Tree Size Estimation Framework: From desk-sized (1) to forest-worthy (6).
- Epics:
- Festive Décor: Lights, trees, & cosy vibes (no tinsel, for the pets!).
- Festive Events: Baking nights, light tours & Secret Santa.
- Gift-Giving: Thoughtful presents, no gimmicks.
- Holiday Self-Care: Quiet evenings & avoiding burnout.
- Traditions: Advent calendars, holiday movies, & music playlists.
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from us all here at Peers HQ
The Testing Peers Conference is happening on the 13th March 2025.
Thanks to our brand new sponsors – NFocus Testing.
nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing & fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers & they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years!
nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024, really grateful for all they do supporting the Testing Peers.
www.nfocus.co.uk & info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch.
Holiday Season Backlog
The Peers embraced their festive spirit by creating a "Holiday Season Backlog," blending testing concepts with holiday preparation! Here's the breakdown:
Christmas Tree Size Framework
- 6: Forest
- 5: Town Square
- 4: Shopping Centre
- 3: Fancy House
- 2: Modest House
- 1: Desk
Definition of Ready (DoR): 3 Peers agree it’s ready
Definition of Done (DoD): Santa’s approval! 🎅
Epics and User Stories
1. Festive Décor - Town Square
Goal: Transform spaces into magical holiday settings.
- Tasks: Fairy lights, tree decorations, wreaths, and cushions.
- Requirements: Keep it cosy and avoid tinsel (pets say no!).
2. Festive Events - Town Square
Goal: Spread holiday cheer through activities.
- Tasks: Tree-lighting ceremony, film marathons, Secret Santa, baking nights, and light tours.
- Risks: Festive fatigue from over-scheduling.
3. Gift-Giving - Fancy House
Goal: Thoughtful gifts for smiles and joy.
- Tasks: Draft gift lists, set postage reminders, donate to charity, and avoid gimmicky gadgets.
4. Holiday Self-Care - Modest House
Goal: Maintain mental well-being during the holidays.
- Tasks: Relaxing evenings, “no obligation” days, acts of kindness, and avoiding burnout.
5. Festive Traditions - Forest
Goal: Celebrate beloved seasonal traditions.
- Tasks: Advent calendars, holiday movies, music playlists, theatre shows, and family games.
- Notes: Self-care wins over endless activities.
Highlights:
- Peer collaboration: Everything was