Welcome to The Beta Plan. After watching this video, you will be
able to explain the beta planning process. Describe how to review a beta
plan with the given example. And explain each category
in the beta plan. Let's take a quick look at
the beta planning process. A beta plan is a critical document
created during the develop phase of the product management lifecycle. This plan outlines how the product will
be validated by potential buyers and users to ensure it is ready to market. Let's review the content of an example
beta plan using our 3D printer scenario. The first category is testing purpose. Define the test purpose and
desired results and identify the type of beta
test you will be using. In our 3D printer example,
the purpose is to validate that the 3D printer options meet
the needs of the target market and in this particular case,
a pilot test methodology will be used. The next area to document
is internal readiness. This is where we define testing roles and responsibilities to ensure the internal
team is ready for the beta test. In this particular case, we have the
product manager, marketing, and also user experience who will be involved to
ensure that the beta test is successful. The next area to document
is tester recruitment. This is where we identify external buyers
and users to be included in the test and we define any tester incentives
we may be able to offer. In this particular scenario, we're
going to conduct three separate tests. One test will support government needs, another educational,
and a third aerospace. And all testers will be provided
transportation and catering and discounted 3D printer
vouchers will be distributed. Next is targets,
describe how testers will be contacted. In this particular case, we're going
to use a simple contact methodology consisting of telephone, Zoom, and email. Testing objectives needs to be
documented in the beta plan as well. Define the testing objectives and
make sure that they are SMART. SMART is an acronym that
is worth repeating. Every objective should be specific,
measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound. Avoid ambiguity as much as possible. The ultimate testing objectives
are fivefold for our 3D printer. We do want to validate all functions and
features. We want to validate the marketing
value proposition and positioning as accurate and effective. We want to ensure all customer
support requirements are validated. We want to validate usability based on
user performance questions and responses. And finally, we want to use the beta test
as an opportunity to fine-tune our sales demo requirements. We continue completing the beta plan
with our next category entitled Test Management. This is where we define test management
logistics and include the testing venues. In this particular case, all testing is going to be
accomplished at our local site. We're going to conduct it in
the morning from 10 AM to 12 PM. And we're going to provide
our testers with lunch. Communications planning
is a critical entry. It describes how communications
will be conducted. In this particular case, reiterating
what we had provided previously, telephone, email, and Zoom. And we will definitely validate and confirm attendance at select times
prior to the actual beta test. Costs for the beta test are important to include
in the plan along with funding sources. In this particular case,
operations will fund the testing and the team believes that $5,000
are adequate for all of the testing. In terms of scheduling,
as we had mentioned before, we're going to do three separate tests. One for government users, one for
education users, one for aerospace users, and you can see that we have
documented the testing schedules. If there are any legal considerations, ensure they are included
in the beta plan as well. A non-disclosure authority will be
required on the part of all testers. And in addition,
the firm will sign an NDA ensuring that all tester information is
kept in confidentiality. All testers will be legally validated and
confirmed. And finally, key performance indicators
what are testing measurables? In this particular scenario, a minimum
of four testers within each group. We want to complete all
testing within two hours. Ensure all three 3D printer models
that we are offering are tested and document and
validate all feedback and findings. You will be given an opportunity
to develop a beta plan for the solar water heating
scenario in a hands-on lab. In this video you'll learned
that you create a beta plan during the develop phase. You use this plan to validate
the product by potential buyers and users and you include the following
categories in the beta plan. Testing purposes, internal readiness,
tester recruitment testing objectives. Test management,
communications costs, scheduling, non-disclosure authority, NDA, and
key performance indicators, KPI. [MUSIC]