Honeysuckle Bug Fest October 26-30, 2020
Feedback from Goldenrod Bug Fest
Things that went well:
- There was good introductory information, including a good overview of what FOLIO is about and where we are in the development process; sources of information (such as the wiki and the info on TestRail) were well organized; and each of the tests we could do had detailed instructions. Looking through the messages on the Slack channel was also helpful, both as a source of information and as an encouraging reminder that I was not the only newcomer trying to get oriented.
- Once I was able to see a quick tour of the program and how the menus were set up I was like “oh I could test that now” and feel like I could navigate. While I understand that user testing is sometimes supposed to be blind I myself was just overwhelmed with too many new variables at once.
Things we might improve on:
- For me, at least, it was a surprise that there was actually a fair bit of work to do *before* the week of Bug Fest--introductory information to read, software to learn how to use, accounts to set up, etc., plus choosing which tests to claim. I hadn't allowed for this in my schedule, so I ended up scrambling to catch up and getting started on the testing a day late. For future newbies, I think it would help to alert them beforehand about the amount and type of work they will need to do in the week before Bug Fest, as well as when they should start monitoring the Slack channel. It might also be helpful to give newcomers some guidance as to which software we'll need to use for what, and how to use the different programs together; that took me some time to figure out. Also, at first I wasn't sure how much time we were expected to spend during Bug Fest--whether it was supposed to be a sprint at 100% effort all week long, or something we could just do a bit of, or somewhere in between.
Since I came “ late to the dance” as they say, all of the areas that were pertinent to my work were already claimed (fines and fees) so that made it difficult. I did not feel comfortable taking on tasks that I did not use in Voyager already. And when I did try a task the first thing I ran into was a reporting error that I sent to Holly Mistlebauer. So without the report I was not sure how to proceed as that was the first step.
I think one of the biggest hindrances for me was trying to test out a program that was totally unfamiliar, along with navigating the other sites necessary for the bug fest. Not being really tech savvy; and then having to use wiki notes, slack, and test rails all while testing out this program was information overload for me. Had FOLIO Friday happened prior to bug fest, as was scheduled, that would have helped tremendously.
I spent quite a bit of time reading through material and watching trainings, but had trouble figuring out what I was supposed to do. As a result, I ended up not doing any testing. However! I am definitely interested in gaining more experience in FOLIO for the next bug fest (and for my own personal interest).
I am sorry I did not reply sooner. I have to admit I underestimated the preparation required to participate in this round. I did log in and saw the test cases available, but I kind of felt like what was left was above my level. I probably should have just grabbed at least one and then asked for help if I ran into trouble. I went back and watched some videos that I should have watched before and have been trying to prepare myself so that I can actually help out in further rounds. Ive been trying to follow the Slack channels too. I apologize for not being as ready as I thought I was for this past Bug Fest. The plans you listed sound great to me.
Other:
- I apologize I wasn’t able to participate. Things got really crazy with returning some staff to work and it’s still sooooo wild these days. Eventually things may level out a bit. That being said, I want to help the next time around but I would definitely need training as to what I need to do and how to do it. I’m new to the FOLIO world having only had a chance to pop-in there once many, many months ago. I like your idea below to have a training set up and a zoom open space day 1.
- I think a few extra training sessions ahead of time as you mentioned would be extremely helpful.