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Take the 5 minute challenge! What are Risks?

26 Jun 2026

During a Software Testing Live with Ben Dowen and Melissa Fisher, I was reminded of a Club post from 2017. 

I set a little challenge that I think is fun to do again. 

  1. Start a five minute timer
  2. Answer the question: What are risks?
  3. Comment on this Moment with your answer

Here's what I wrote back then:

Risks are…

  • Something that informs where and how we might test
  • Something that could happen and isn’t proven
  • Something in dreamland that needs investigation to see if it’s real
  • An assumption that informs testing activity
  • A way to prioritise exploration
  • Something to help us think critically about our product
  • Something you don’t want your customers to experience
  • Something we should investigate
  • Something that helps us focus and scope our testing
  • A communication tool to have discussions with the business

After all these years I think they are still helpful. And folks during Software Testing Live shared all sorts of ideas about what risks are. It was very cool! 

How about you? Take the challenge and share your thoughts about risks. There's no right or wrong answer so just go for it! 🤝
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Simon Tomes
Community Lead at MoTaverse
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Hello, I'm Simon. Since 2003 I've had various roles in testing, tech leadership and coaching. I believe in the power of collaboration, creativity and community. 🎓 MoT-STEC qualified. I get real joy working with and supporting our wonderful MoTaverse community.

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