There aren't enough testing/QA professionals talking about systems thinking

🙋 Questions
,
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There aren’t enough testing/QA professionals talking about systems thinking.

How much do you agree with this statement?

  • I agree
  • Somewhat agree
  • Somewhat disagree
  • I disagree
0 voters

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I’m in a small bubble where plenty of people talk about it, I suspect the wider community could talk a bout it a lot more.

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Yes, I agree because all I see these days are talks on test automation and AI.

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I suspect as it’s a relatively new phrase ( although non concept), many don’t thibk of it in these terms, but I know penty of testers/QAs that push for a seat at the table in early discussions on new solution developments and technology purchases. This us one of the steps that eables them to learn/develop the skills to see the bigger picture.

Knowing what is driving the need for change helps us see the problem that us being solved.

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I actually wasn’t sure if I agreed with the question or not, until I saw your comment.

I would definitely agree that a lot of conversations revolve around these two things (and have for a while in terms of automation).

I wonder how much of it is external pressure on testing to ‘automate all the things’ versus other factors.

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I haven’t heard much of this term from anyone at work yet.

I don’t see it much on my LinkedIn feed either.

I first got interested in this topic after reading the book Introduction to General Systems Thinking.

I think our industry should talk about it a lot. It’s a core aspect of our craftsmanship.

Cheers, MoT for bringing this event!

Also, love the lineup of speakers :slight_smile:

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Yes, or maybe they do analyze holistically. But do not know it is called as such. For those folks who have difficulty understanding Gerald Weinberg’s book an “Introduction to General Systems on Thinking” as a first timer, should actually start with Donella Meadows’ An Introduction to Systems Thinking. General Systems Thinking has many uses other than just Software Testing.

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Side note to self, as I cannot go back and edit, and can’t believe how many errors are in my response. Do not use my phone to answer in The Club. The pedant in me cannot walk on by. Am sure you all understand. :woman_facepalming:

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I might have heard this topic before but haven’t explored this ever. And after searching this topic online I found list of articles and websites on it, specifically some website completely dedicated to it for e.g.

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My testing has always been based in systems thinking but also systems theory, I feel like systems thinking doesn’t necessarily give you the richness that thinking and theory give you together. This is mainly because my degree was Systems Analysis (BA)!

Google AI gives the following when asked the relationship between the two:
“Systems thinking is the act of analysing and understanding complex systems by considering the interconnectedness of its parts, while systems theory is the body of knowledge that explains how systems function and interact, providing the foundation for systems thinking to be applied in various situations.”

So worth considering Systems Theory if you want to dive into Systems Thinking.

Systems Theory gives you ideas like:

  • Every system has boundaries and the boundaries are essentially where you choose to draw them
  • The Boundaries offer an insight into what interacts with you system. Inputs, Outputs and influences
  • Almost every system is more than just the sum of it’s parts; an aeroplane isn’t just a load of metal, plastic, etc. it flies! Systems Theory calls this Emergent Properties
  • Once you get the hang of defining what a system is you can then see how your system is more than a software programme or app, the users are part of the systems, the support team are part of the system, etc.
  • You can also ask questions like what would the worst version of my system be like, what properties would it have? e.g. an app that crashes when you submit data and loses it all, emergent property no-one tries again and they tell their friends not to bother.

Am looking forward to seeing what everyone thinks about Systems Thinking!

What is a great system for bringing testing professionals together and helping them grow? Probably MoT . . .