The document discusses how improving observational skills can make someone a better tester. It explains that testers should train themselves to observe more objectively by being aware of common biases like inattentional blindness, confirmation bias, and only searching where there is light. Developing curiosity, paying attention to details, and learning from books about observation can help overcome these biases. The document argues that sharpening everyday observational abilities through these techniques will result in better testing.

1. Observational Proficiency
How Sharpening your
Everyday Awareness
Makes you a Better Tester

2. 1. Intro
2. Observation
3. Biases
4. Become Better
5. Hiring
6. Open Season

3. Intro Observation Biases Become Better Hiring Open Season
Who am I ?
Image credit: http://j.mp/P53HQ7

4. Intro Observation Biases Become Better Hiring Open Season
Ilari Henrik Aegerter
Manager Quality Engineering
Europe @eBay

5. 1. Intro
2. Observation
3. Biases
4. Become Better
5. Hiring
6. Open Season

6. Intro Observation Biases Become Better Hiring Open Season
Outside -> Inside
Image credit: http://j.mp/M7LbFT

7. Intro Observation Biases Become Better Hiring Open Season
Hand/Skin
Nose
Tongue
Ear
Eye

8. Intro Observation Biases Become Better Hiring Open Season
Attention
Image credit: http://j.mp/OH0Ucb

9. Intro Observation Biases Become Better Hiring Open Season
Expectation

10. Intro Observation Biases Become Better Hiring Open Season
Curiosity
Image credit: http://j.mp/PWrmDP

11. Intro Observation Biases Become Better Hiring Open Season

12. 1. Intro
2. Observation
3. Biases
4. Become Better
5. Hiring
6. Open Season

13. Intro Observation Biases Become Better Hiring Open Season
Inattentional Blindness

14. Intro Observation Biases Become Better Hiring Open Season
Streetlight Effect
(search only where there
is light)
Image credit: http://j.mp/PTY89N

15. Intro Observation Biases Become Better Hiring Open Season
Confirmation
Bias

16. Intro Observation Biases Become Better Hiring Open Season

17. Intro Observation Biases Become Better Hiring Open Season

18. 1. Intro
2. Observation
3. Biases
4. Become Better
5. Hiring
6. Open Season

19. Intro Observation Biases Become Better Hiring Open Season
“You can observe a lot
by just looking”
Yogi Berra
Image credit: http://j.mp/N40Fwt

20. Intro Observation Biases Become Better Hiring Open Season

21. Intro Observation Biases Become Better Hiring Open Season
Image credit: probably Shmuel Gershon

22. Intro Observation Biases Become Better Hiring Open Season

23. Intro Observation Biases Become Better Hiring Open Season

24. Intro Observation Biases Become Better Hiring Open Season

25. Intro Observation Biases Become Better Hiring Open Season

26. Intro Observation Biases Become Better Hiring Open Season

27. Intro Observation Biases Become Better Hiring Open Season
Books

28. Intro Observation Biases Become Better Hiring Open Season
Wolfgang Metzger
Laws of Seeing

29. Intro Observation Biases Become Better Hiring Open Season
Arien Mack, Irvin Rock
Inattentional Blindness

30. Intro Observation Biases Become Better Hiring Open Season
James Elkins
How to use your eyes

31. 1. Intro
2. Observation
3. Biases
4. Become Better
5. Hiring
6. Open Season

32. Intro Observation Biases Become Better Hiring Open Season
My experience:
Better Observer = Better Tester
Image credit: http://j.mp/Swe6Vf

33. 1. Intro
2. Observation
3. Biases
4. Become Better
5. Hiring
6. Open Season

34. Intro Observation Biases Become Better Hiring Open Season
Image credit: http://j.mp/M6d8JY
Blog: www.ilari.com
Twitter & Skype: ilarihenrik