Test automation is often judged by the tools we use or the number of tests we run, but real impact comes from how thoughtfully we apply it. The Automation in Testing principles were originally designed to shift focus from shallow uses of automation toward enabling it in ways that truly support testing through strategy, creation, usage and education. In this keynote, Richard revisits these principles in today’s software world where AI, complex systems and new ways of working are questioning current test automation approaches.
Richard will explore how these principles have already helped teams achieve excellence in testing outcomes, stronger collaboration and deeper recognition of the value test automation can bring. He will also share lessons learned and industry observations where these principles have been neglected, offering a candid look at the gap between adopting automation and achieving impact with automation.
Building on this reflection, Richard introduces a refreshed set of principles designed for todays testing challenges and those in the near future. These principles support a mindset for approaching test automation that helps you assess and maximize impact, ensuring automation not only supports your development teams but also delivers real business value.
- Analyse how the original Automation in Testing principles influence testing effectiveness, team collaboration, and recognition of automation value in modern software teams.
- Evaluate real-world scenarios where adherence or neglect of these principles has impacted testing outcomes, identifying gaps between automation adoption and meaningful impact.
- Apply the new Automation in Testing principles to your existing context to help maximise automation’s impact to both development teams and business
