Summary

Select products and product components to be validated and validation methods to be used.

Description

Products and product components are selected for validation based on their relationship to end-user needs. For each product or product component, the scope of the validation (e.g., operational behavior, maintenance, training, user interface) should be determined.

 

Examples of products and product components that can be validated include the following:
  • Customer requirements and design constraints
  • Acquired products and product components (e.g., system, hardware units, software, service documentation)
  • User manuals
  • Training materials
  • Process documentation


Validation methods should be selected early in the life of the project so they are clearly understood and agreed to by relevant stakeholders.

Validation methods address the development, maintenance, support, and training for the product or product components as appropriate.

 

Examples of validation methods include the following:
  • Discussions with end users, perhaps in the context of a formal review
  • Prototype demonstrations
  • Functional demonstrations (e.g., system, hardware units, software, service documentation, user interfaces)
  • Pilots of training materials
  • Tests of products and product components by end users and other relevant stakeholders
  • End-of-cycle or end-of-phase reviews (with customer or end user) for incremental or iterative development


Example Work Products



  1. Lists of products and product components selected for validation
  2. Validation methods for each product or product component
  3. Requirements for performing validation for each product or product component
  4. Validation constraints for each product or product component


Subpractices



1. Identify the key principles, features, and phases for product or product component validation throughout the life of the project.

2. Determine the customer requirements to be validated.

The product or product component should be maintainable and supportable in its intended operational environment. This specific practice also addresses the actual maintenance, training, and support services that can be delivered with the product.



3. Select the product and product components to be validated.

4. Select the evaluation methods for product or product component validation.

5. Review the validation selection, constraints, and methods with relevant stakeholders.