Can the QA Process Be Fun?
 Quality Assurance. It goes by different names including QA, QC, TQM, Zero Defects. It doesn’t really matter what you call it. But I’m willing to bet there are very few people in your organization that would actually call it “fun”.
My experience is that you have to be wired a certain way to be really good at QA. And those that do it well and actually enjoy it … well now that’s truly a rare find. I’m fortunate to have a few of these rare finds on the BĒM Team.
I asked these pros for a list of their top QA tips to share with you. As you are reviewing your next document, updating that price list, looking over the latest marketing campaign, have these handy. Hope it helps your next QA process go a little smoother.
Be sure to enjoy our short feature video. It’s a perfect complement to our topic this month.
 Top Tips for Your QA Process
- Don’t follow a logical path – try to view a document or application without all the assumptions of how it should look or work.
- Look at things with different “hats” on. People will look at a document or how a web site or system should work from different perspectives.
- If it’s something complicated, try to get some quiet, uninterrupted time to review it.
- It’s much easier to spot things that are wrong or don’t work as they should. Much harder to see what is missing. Make sure your QA looks for the missing elements.
- If what you are QA'ing is complex, use an issue tracking system to log problems. It can be as basic as an Excel spreadsheet or a complex tracking system. This will help you record what is wrong and keep tabs on what’s been fixed, reviewed again and ready for sign off.
QA Tips for Proofing Copy
- Read everything forward once and then read everything backwards. This helps your mind see what is truly there and not what it thinks “should” be there.
- Proof by reading the copy out loud. This will force your brain to go slower and read word for word, rather than in word groups and phrases.
- NEVER trust spell check to do your proofing for you.
- Always check and double check phone numbers, addresses and names for accuracy. Many errors frequently occur in these items because people just assume they are accurate.
- Creativity is not about using every one of your favorite colors and lots of fun type styles just because you can. Creativity is about communicating effectively.
QA Tips for Design & Content
- Begin with your audience. Put yourself in their place. What tone and style is appropriate for them? What issues are on their mind? What information would they value?
- Headlines are critical. People don’t read word for word, they scan. A good headline that piques their interest will cause them to stop and read the information.
- Be brief!
- Edit, edit, edit. Unless you are using a professional writer, cut your copy by at least one third and it will likely communicate more effectively.
- Ask someone who has not seen the copy to read it. A fresh view will often catch the obvious.
- Simplicity is your friend. Make everything easy to read. Use a good template.
Many thanks to Debbie, Robin and Mamie for these helpful suggestions.
Malinda Pengelly
President
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