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10 OKR examples for Software Testing

What are Software Testing OKRs?

The Objective and Key Results (OKR) framework is a simple goal-setting methodology that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s. It became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s, and it's now used by teams of all sizes to set and track ambitious goals at scale.

Creating impactful OKRs can be a daunting task, especially for newcomers. Shifting your focus from projects to outcomes is key to successful planning.

We have curated a selection of OKR examples specifically for Software Testing to assist you. Feel free to explore the templates below for inspiration in setting your own goals.

If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.

Building your own Software Testing OKRs with AI

How to create great OKRs for any scenario in seconds

While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here.

You can use Tability's AI generator to create tailored OKRs based on your specific context. Tability can turn your objective description into a fully editable OKR template -- including tips to help you refine your goals.

  • 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
  • 2. Click on the "Generate goals using AI" button
  • 3. Use natural language to describe your goals

Tability will then use your prompt to generate a fully editable OKR template.

How to improve existing OKRs with AI feedback

If you already have existing goals, and you want to improve them. You can use Tability's AI feedback to help you.

  • 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
  • 2. Add your existing OKRs (you can import them from a spreadsheet)
  • 3. Click on "Generate analysis"
AI feedback for OKRs in TabilityTability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRs

Tability will scan your OKRs and offer different suggestions to improve them. This can range from a small rewrite of a statement to make it clearer to a complete rewrite of the entire OKR.

You can then decide to accept the suggestions or dismiss them if you don't agree.

Using the free OKR generator to get a quick template

If you're just looking for some quick inspiration, you can also use our free OKR generator to get a template.

Unlike with Tability, you won't be able to iterate on the templates, but this is still a great way to get started.

Our Software Testing OKRs examples

We've added many examples of Software Testing Objectives and Key Results, but we did not stop there. Understanding the difference between OKRs and projects is important, so we also added examples of strategic initiatives that relate to the OKRs.

Hope you'll find this helpful!

1OKRs to enhance the efficiency of our software testing suite

  • ObjectiveEnhance the efficiency of our software testing suite
  • KRIncrease the speed of test execution by 25%
  • TaskOptimize code base to reduce unnecessary testing steps
  • TaskUtilize faster test automation tools and frameworks
  • TaskImplement parallel testing to distribute tests across different machines
  • KRReduce software test suite setup time by 15%
  • TaskImplement automated test setup protocols
  • TaskOptimize code for greater setup efficiency
  • TaskReduce redundant or unnecessary tests
  • KRDecrease bug identification time by 20%
  • TaskImplement automated testing tools for routine bug discovery
  • TaskUse dedicated bug tracking systems to report issues
  • TaskConduct regular training for staff in debugging techniques
Tability

2OKRs to enhance the quality of software releases through manual testing

  • ObjectiveEnhance the quality of software releases through manual testing
  • KRIncrease manual test case effectiveness by 25%
  • TaskProvide continuous training for manual testing techniques
  • TaskImplement peer reviews for manual test case validation
  • TaskDevelop exhaustive, realistic use-cases scenarios for better test coverage
  • KRReduce critical bugs in live software by 15%
  • TaskImplement rigorous testing procedures before software deployment
  • TaskRegularly update and debug software code base
  • TaskTrain developers in best practices for bug prevention
  • KRRaise manual test coverage for each release to at least 95%
  • TaskIdentify areas of software currently lacking full manual testing
  • TaskDevelop comprehensive manual test plans for those areas
  • TaskTrain team to execute new test plans efficiently

3OKRs to enhance the quality of the company's testing process

  • ObjectiveEnhance the quality of the company's testing process
  • KRReduce the number of bugs found post-release by 30%
  • TaskImplement continuous training for the development team
  • TaskDevelop rigorous pre-launch software testing protocols
  • TaskEnhance code review processes and quality checks
  • KRAchieve 95% accuracy rate in every conducted testing
  • TaskReview and refine testing procedures and tools
  • TaskImplement comprehensive training on test protocol
  • TaskConduct regular monitoring and performance evaluation
  • KRImplement two new automated testing tools to streamline process
  • TaskResearch and select two suitable automated testing tools
  • TaskTrain the team on usage and integration of tools
  • TaskPurchase and install chosen automated testing tools

4OKRs to improve testing efficiency through AI integration

  • ObjectiveImprove testing efficiency through AI integration
  • KRReduce software bugs by 25% with AI algorithms
  • TaskTrain AI algorithms to identify and fix recurring software bugs
  • TaskInvest in AI-based debugging tools for code review and error detection
  • TaskIntegrate AI algorithms into the software development and testing process
  • KRDecrease manual testing hours by 30%
  • TaskImplement automated testing protocols for recurrent tests
  • TaskTrain staff in automation tools usage
  • TaskPrioritize test cases for automation
  • KRImplement AI testing tools in 60% of ongoing projects
  • TaskProcure and install AI testing tools in identified projects
  • TaskTrain project teams on using AI testing tools
  • TaskIdentify projects suitable for AI testing tool integration

5OKRs to enhance quality control testing effectiveness

  • ObjectiveEnhance quality control testing effectiveness
  • KRDecrease defects found post-release by 20%
  • TaskIncorporate more rigorous beta testing phases
  • TaskImprove training for software developers
  • TaskImplement thorough quality assurance procedures
  • KRInitiate 100% of staff into new quality-control training program
  • TaskCreate an informative and engaging training schedule
  • TaskIdentify and list all staff requiring the new training
  • TaskBegin rollout of quality-control training to all staff
  • KRIncrease test coverage rate to 90%
  • TaskIdentify areas of the code lacking sufficient testing
  • TaskImplement and regularly update tests to maintain coverage
  • TaskDevelop comprehensive, relevant tests for those areas

6OKRs to ensure smooth migration of on-prem applications to cloud setup

  • ObjectiveEnsure smooth migration of on-prem applications to cloud setup
  • KREnsure zero critical post-migration issues in the final month of the quarter
  • TaskImplement a rigorous software testing process post-migration
  • TaskConduct daily briefs to discuss potential issues
  • TaskSchedule weekly system performance evaluations
  • KRFinalize a comprehensive migration plan with defined roles and responsibilities by week 2
  • TaskIdentify and assign roles and responsibilities to team members
  • TaskCreate a comprehensive migration plan
  • TaskReview and finalize the migration plan by week 2
  • KRAchieve successful migration of 70% of identified applications by week 8
  • TaskIdentify critical applications for migration prioritization by week 2
  • TaskAchieve 70% migration of applications by the end of week 8
  • TaskInitiate migration process of identified applications by week 4

7OKRs to improve software quality and testing efficiency

  • ObjectiveImprove software quality and testing efficiency
  • KRImplement automated regression testing on 95% of codebase
  • TaskCreate and develop automated regression testing scripts
  • TaskImplement and regularly run these automated tests on the identified code
  • TaskIdentify areas of the codebase that can support automated regression testing
  • KRIdentify and resolve 90% of bugs before next development phase
  • TaskReview code thoroughly for possible bugs
  • TaskEstablish robust testing procedures for overlooked bugs
  • TaskPrioritize and resolve detected bugs efficiently
  • KRReduce manual testing time by 60% with increased automation
  • TaskIdentify repetitive tasks suitable for automation
  • TaskTrain staff on utilizing automation tools
  • TaskDevelop and implement automation scripts

8OKRs to implement automation testing across development platform and code

  • ObjectiveImplement automation testing across development platform and code
  • KRIdentify and list 100% of testable features within the existing code base
  • TaskReview entire code base to identify testable features
  • TaskCreate a comprehensive list of these features
  • TaskConfirm all identified features are indeed testable
  • KRCreate and document comprehensive automated test scripts for 70% of identified features
  • TaskDevelop comprehensive automated test scripts
  • TaskIdentify key features requiring automated test scripts
  • TaskDocument tested features and script process
  • KRAchieve a 95% success rate in detecting and reporting bugs through automation tests
  • TaskImplement automated testing tools to highlight software errors
  • TaskTrain team members on analyzing automated test results
  • TaskRegularly update and refine automated test scripts
Tability

9OKRs to implement unit-testing in Mid-Office

  • ObjectiveImplement unit-testing in Mid-Office
  • KRDevelop a comprehensive unit testing plan within 4 weeks
  • TaskSchedule and delegate testing tasks
  • TaskIdentify all functionalities for testing
  • TaskDraft a detailed unit testing procedure
  • KRTrain the team on unit-testing best practices and tools by 6 weeks
  • TaskSchedule and conduct weekly team training sessions for 6 weeks
  • TaskDevelop a comprehensive training program on unit-testing practices
  • TaskIdentify appropriate unit-testing software and tools for training
  • KRAchieve 80% code coverage with unit tests by the end of the quarter
  • TaskWrite effective tests for identified sections
  • TaskIdentify sections of code lacking unit tests
  • TaskRegularly run and adjust tests for improvement

10OKRs to master JavaScript fundamentals and apply them in real-life coding projects

  • ObjectiveMaster JavaScript fundamentals and apply them in real-life coding projects
  • KRParticipate in at least one coding challenge or competition focused on JavaScript
  • KRComplete online JavaScript course with a score of 90% or higher
  • TaskRegularly practice writing JavaScript code and complete coding exercises provided in the course
  • TaskEnroll in the online JavaScript course and familiarize yourself with the curriculum
  • TaskSet aside dedicated study time each day to consistently work through the course materials
  • TaskTake the practice quizzes and review any areas of weakness to ensure understanding
  • KRDevelop and deploy a functional JavaScript application independently
  • TaskIdentify user requirements and define the scope of the JavaScript application
  • TaskDeploy the JavaScript application on the desired platform and perform final testing
  • TaskWrite and test the JavaScript code to ensure the application's functionality
  • TaskDesign and prototype the application's user interface and functionality
  • KRContribute to an open-source JavaScript project by submitting at least two pull requests
  • TaskFork the project repository and branch off to make changes for the pull requests
  • TaskSubmit the pull requests with clear documentation and thorough explanation of the changes
  • TaskFind an open-source JavaScript project on platforms like GitHub or GitLab
  • TaskIdentify two areas for improvement or new features in the chosen project

Software Testing OKR best practices

Generally speaking, your objectives should be ambitious yet achievable, and your key results should be measurable and time-bound (using the SMART framework can be helpful). It is also recommended to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.

Here are a couple of best practices extracted from our OKR implementation guide 👇

Tip #1: Limit the number of key results

Having too many OKRs is the #1 mistake that teams make when adopting the framework. The problem with tracking too many competing goals is that it will be hard for your team to know what really matters.

We recommend having 3-4 objectives, and 3-4 key results per objective. A platform like Tability can run audits on your data to help you identify the plans that have too many goals.

Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR check-ins

Setting good goals can be challenging, but without regular check-ins, your team will struggle to make progress. We recommend that you track your OKRs weekly to get the full benefits from the framework.

Being able to see trends for your key results will also keep yourself honest.

Tip #3: No more than 2 yellow statuses in a row

Yes, this is another tip for goal-tracking instead of goal-setting (but you'll get plenty of OKR examples above). But, once you have your goals defined, it will be your ability to keep the right sense of urgency that will make the difference.

As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid having more than 2 yellow/at risk statuses in a row.

Make a call on the 3rd update. You should be either back on track, or off track. This sounds harsh but it's the best way to signal risks early enough to fix things.

How to track your Software Testing OKRs

OKRs without regular progress updates are just KPIs. You'll need to update progress on your OKRs every week to get the full benefits from the framework. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:

  • It brings the goals back to the top of the mind
  • It will highlight poorly set OKRs
  • It will surface execution risks
  • It improves transparency and accountability

Most teams should start with a spreadsheet if they're using OKRs for the first time. Then, once you get comfortable you can graduate to a proper OKRs-tracking tool.

A strategy map in TabilityTability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRs

If you're not yet set on a tool, you can check out the 5 best OKR tracking templates guide to find the best way to monitor progress during the quarter.

More Software Testing OKR templates

We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.