Software Testing Live: Episode 04 - The awesome power of shifting left
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Locked
Ben Dowen
Lead Quality Engineer
Callum Akehurst-Ryan
Staff Quality Engineer
Talk Description
In this episode of Software Testing Live, Ben is joined by experienced quality coach Callum Akehurst-Ryan for a live exploratory session with a difference. Rather than testing an existing app, they dive into user stories, system diagrams, and potential designs to uncover risks before a single line of code is written.
Watch how they break down vague requirements, probe for hidden assumptions, and shape acceptance criteria that add real value to teams. Along the way, they surface crucial non-functional considerations—like observability, scalability, and accessibility—and show how to uncover unknowns through thoughtful questioning.
This session is a masterclass in collaborative risk analysis and early-stage testing. It’s packed with practical techniques, coaching moments, and plenty of laughs. You’ll leave with fresh ideas on how to bring shift-left testing into your team, whether you’re a hands-on tester, engineering manager, or quality leader.
You’ll learn how to:
- Identify risks in user stories and architecture diagrams
- Ask better questions to uncover gaps in understanding
- Use exploratory thinking before systems are built
- Advocate for quality earlier, without blocking progress
- Build trust and influence in your team
Shift left doesn’t have to be a buzzword; see how it works in practice and gain the confidence to lead early testing conversations.
