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Hello friends, and welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers podcast. In this episode, Chris, Dan, David, and Russell come together for a wide-ranging conversation about flow, what it really means, and why it matters far beyond speed or delivery metrics. The discussion starts with some light New Year banter before quickly moving into systems thinking, value, and the often unseen friction that slows organisations down. The group explore flow as something that exists across people, processes, and systems, not just CI/CD pipelines. Using plumbing analogies, real-world examples, and a healthy dose of scepticism about simplistic metrics, they unpack why optimising individual components rarely improves outcomes if the wider system is ignored. A recurring theme is the idea that quality is about the removal of unnecessary friction, and that debt shows up in many forms, not just code. Documentation, onboarding, learning mechanisms, and organisational processes all contribute to how effectively value moves through a system. The conversation also touches on how difficult flow is to measure meaningfully. While metrics like DORA can tell part of the story, they often focus on speed rather than outcomes, impact, or sustainability. The hosts discuss the importance of qualitative signals, trending over time, and understanding what good actually looks like in a given context. A significant part of the episode focuses on the human side of flow, including onboarding, learning, feedback loops, and psychological safety. The group reflect on how better onboarding and clearer purpose can help people contribute sooner, feel more connected to their work, and understand the impact of what they do. From a testing perspective, the discussion highlights how testers already have many of the skills needed to assess flow at an organisational level. Curiosity, critical thinking, risk awareness, and communication all play a role in identifying friction, asking difficult questions, and helping teams improve. At the same time, the hosts are careful not to position testers as uniquely gifted, recognising that good systems thinking comes from diverse roles working together. The episode closes with reflections on trust, credibility, and the role of testers as trusted advisors. Being listened to is not about job titles or tools, but about doing the work, understanding the system, and backing up insights with evidence and experience. Links and references DORA metrics: https://dora.dev/guides/dora-metrics/The Phoenix Project: https://itrevolution.com/product/the-phoenix-project/Theory of Constraints: https://www.leanproduction.com/theory-of-constraints/Stu Crocker on quality as the removal of unnecessary frictionPost Office Horizon IT Scandal: https://clarotesting.wordpress.com/the-post-office-horizon-it-scandal/#PeersCon26 Tickets for the event are live for just £30. And as always, we are looking for sponsors to make this event the success it has been for the last 2 years, get in touch if interested Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) Support the show

Happy New Year, Peers!! Welcome to the latest episode of the Testing Peers podcast, this time panel explores how testers and quality professionals can make the most of their training budgets, whether that budget is zero, modest, or stretches into several thousand pounds. Hosts this week: Russell Craxford, David Maynard, Chris Armstrong, and Tara Walton. The discussion is grounded in real experience and looks at how learning choices change depending on constraints, priorities, and organisational context. Starting from Zero: Learning Without a Budget The episode begins by challenging the assumption that learning requires money. The hosts highlight the breadth and quality of free resources available, including: Blogs, podcasts, and community-driven contentFree learning platforms such as Test Automation University, freeCodeCamp, and edXVendor-provided learning resources from tooling and platform providersA key recommendation is the free “Learning How to Learn” course by Barbara Oakley and Terrence Sejnowski, which helps people understand how they learn best before deciding where to invest time or money. Spending Around £100: Small Budgets, Real Value With a budget of around £100, the focus shifts to intentional, value-led choices: Books as a focused, low-distraction way to learn:Subscriptions to learning platforms rather than single coursesPrioritising practical outcomes over certificatesUsing community recommendations to avoid low-quality contentTestSphere and RiskStorming cardsObviously, the Testing Peers Conference, March 12th 2026Books such as Explore It, The Phoenix Project, The Culture Code and other systems thinking titles are highlighted as high-value, low-cost investments. Around £500: Community, Conferences, and Exposure At the £500 level, learning opportunities expand: Attending local conferences, meetups, or community events Leeds Test Atelier (Free to attend)SIGiSTShipItConCovering travel, accommodation, and tickets for nearby eventsInvesting in leadership, communication, and presentation skillsSubscriptions such as Ministry of Testing Pro (including a ticket to their #MoTaCon event) and similar learning communitiesLeanPubThe hosts discuss the value of human connection, being exposed to new perspectives, and coming away from events with renewed ideas and motivation. Certifications and Career Signals The conversation takes a balanced view on certifications, including ISTQB: Not a definition of quality or capabilityPotentially useful for people entering the industryHelpful as a signal when eSupport the show

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Welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers podcast. In this episode, Simon, David, Chris and returning host, Dan Ashby explore what makes a high-performing team and how leaders can intentionally create the right environment for teams to thrive. The conversation builds on both shared experience and real-world examples of navigating complex team dynamics. Topics Discussed • Psychological safety How teams understand it, how fragile it can be and the different forms it takes, including inclusion, learning, contributor and challenger safety. • Purpose and direction Why clarity of mission anchors decision making and helps individuals see their contribution to collective outcomes. • Skills, proficiency and growth Understanding a team’s starting point, enabling learning opportunities and how building capability strengthens trust and accountability. Dan also introduces his High-Performing Teams Framework, which provides a structured model for these elements: https://evolvingleadership.uk/the-hpt-framework/ • Trust and ownership The importance of follow-through, transparency and what Chris refers to as decisive humility when leading in uncertain or inherited contexts. • Joy and community How internal communities, shared testing sessions, social connection and small rituals can support morale and cohesion, especially in remote environments. • Real-world leadership experiences Chris shares an example of challenging expectations from leadership by gathering context, sense-checking with peers and approaching difficult conversations with evidence and respect. Also in this episode Burnout, remote working dynamics, and the role of workplace friendships in supporting sustainable performance. #PeersCon26 Tickets for the event are now live too, starting at £15 until December 2025, when they increase to £30. And as always, we are looking for sponsors to make this event the success it has been for the last 2 years, get in touch if interested Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do to support the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and [email protected] for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

Welcome to episode 139 of the Testing Peers podcast. This time, the Peers dive into the sequel to episode 39, for Testing Rants part 2. Hosting this episode is Callum Akehurst-Ryan, Tara Walton, Chris Armstrong and David Maynard. After a brief ranter moment (terrible rant banter portmanteau, sorry), the team move onto the main topic. Topics covered in this episode: Documentation Issues Single Points of Failure: Documentation saved locally or only in one place.Poor Comments: Insufficient or missing code/system comments.Clarity over Volume: The need for context and value to avoid "death by documentation."The Problem with Assumptions "Termites of Relationships": Assumptions damage team relationships and project outcomes (citing Henry Winkler).Contextual Blind Spots: Discussing unchecked assumptions in daily work.Value and Motivation Missing the WHY: Lack of communication around the ultimate VALUE of the work.Purpose Drives Motivation: Knowing why tasks matter increases engagement.Cognitive Load and Flow Spoon Theory: Managing limited mental energy and cognitive load.Flow Disruptors: Identifying Slack/notifications as excessive noise that breaks focus.Time Off and Workplace Safety Managing Return: Setting healthy expectations for those returning after time off.Psychological Safety: The foundational requirement for taking necessary breaks."Always On" Pressure: Ranting against the pressure for a digital detox and constant online presence.Community and Celebration Lisa Crispin Shoutout: Acknowledging her commitment to championing the community. Shining a Light: The importance of celebrating and elevating others. #PeersCon26 Tickets for the event are now live too, starting at £15 until December 2025, when they increase to £30. And as always, we are looking for sponsors to make this event the success it has been for the last 2 years, get in touch if interested Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do to support the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and [email protected] for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

Welcome to episode 138 of the Testing Peers Podcast In this episode, Chris, Rachel, David and Russell discuss how people begin their careers in testing and software quality today. After a light-hearted round of “Two Truths and a Lie (But All Lies)”, the conversation turns to the different ways people enter the field, and how those paths have changed over time. The Peers share their own experiences and reflect on what helps new testers succeed. Topics include: Apprenticeships, graduate schemes and internal career changesThe importance of curiosity, communication and collaborationBalancing technical skills with people skillsThe impact of AI and automation on entry routesBuilding inclusive teams and supporting diverse backgroundsThe difference between culture add and culture fitThe group explore what organisations can do to create better entry points into quality roles, and how experienced professionals can help the next generation of testers grow with confidence. #PeersCon26 Tickets for the event are now live too, starting at £15 until December 2025, when they increase to £30. And as always, we are looking for sponsors to make this event the success it has been for the last 2 years, get in touch if interested Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do to support the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and [email protected] for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

Welcome to episode 137 of the Testing Peers podcast! This time, join  Callum Akehurst-Ryan, Russell Craxford, Chris Armstrong and David Maynard as we discuss Personal Branding and Social Media. In this episode, the Peers discuss the importance of personal branding and the role social media plays in shaping professional identity within the testing community. The conversation explores how each of the hosts approaches their own personal brand, the motivations behind building one, and the ways in which visibility and authenticity can influence employability, reputation and connection. The group also considers the evolution of social media platforms, how algorithms influence engagement, and how to use these platforms effectively while staying true to personal values. Key discussion points include: The link between personal branding and professional opportunitiesDeveloping an identifiable and consistent online presenceBalancing authenticity, tone of voice and self-promotionThe impact of algorithms and how to navigate themChoosing the right platforms for your goals, from LinkedIn and YouTube to community spaces such as the Ministry of Testing Club [https://club.ministryoftesting.com/]The idea of defining your brand through a single theme or “word” [https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/whats-your-word-finding-perfectly-describes-you-career-dan-ashby-1sv2e/?trackingId=xoBbDkUiRfmqX6GsXR2U7g%3D%3D]The hosts share their experiences of what has worked for them, the challenges of maintaining consistency, and the benefits of intentionality in developing a recognisable and trustworthy online identity. #PeersCon26 Tickets for the event are now live too, starting at £15 until December 2025, when they increase to £30. And as always, we are looking for sponsors to make this event the success it has been for the last 2 years, get in touch if interested Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do to support the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and [email protected] for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

Welcome to episode 136 of the Testing Peers podcast. In this episode, David, Chris, Russell and Tara dig into a question from #PeersCon25 speaker, Stuart Pates: what’s the difference between a test strategy and a quality engineering strategy? The peers explore: Whether strategies are rigid documents, living guides, or something in betweenHow context drives whether you need a test strategy, a quality strategy, or bothWhy language and labels (“test” vs “quality”) can help or hinder collaborationThe role of purpose and value in defining strategies that actually workStrategies as empowerment tools versus “one-way to do things” policiesHow to avoid strategies becoming shelfware and instead keep them living and relevantAs always, there’s plenty of banter (including revelations about everyone’s oldest open browser tab!) before diving into the topic. We’d love to hear your thoughts, what does strategy mean in your organisation, and how do you approach the balance between quality and testing? #PeersCon26 Tickets for the event are now live too, starting at £15 until December 2025, when they increase to £30. And as always, we are looking for sponsors to make this event the success it has been for the last 2 years, get in touch if interested Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do to support the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and [email protected] for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

Welcome to episode 135 of the Testing Peers Podcast. This time join Chris, Russell, David and the returning Jon Robinson as we talk all things AI in testing. Artificial intelligence is already reshaping how we approach testing, QA and quality. But what happens when the pace of change accelerates? In this episode, the Peers explore what AI might mean for our profession, our skills and the value we bring. We discuss: The future of QA roles in the next 3–5 years and which functions may fade or evolve.Why exploratory testing could become more important as AI takes on repetitive checking.The risk of over-reliance on AI tools, from hallucinations to “blind hope” in outputs.New skills testers may need: data literacy, training and validating models, and critical thinking about outputs.Shifts in business mindsets: AI as a cost-cutting tool vs AI as an enabler.The challenges of scalability, maintainability and sustainability when using AI.Ethical and legal concerns around data sharing, intellectual property and training models.How diverse skills and perspectives remain crucial for testing in an AI-driven future.Along the way, we touch on topics from token debt and environmental impact, to healthcare examples, to why trust and human experience still matter. #PeersCon26 Call for Collaborations for written and video submissions until September 30th 2025, and also for VolunPeers. More on all this can be found here Tickets for the event are now live too, starting at £15 until December, when they go up to £30. And as always, we are looking for sponsors to make this event the success it has been for the last 2 years, get in touch if interested Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do to support the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and [email protected] for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

Welcome to Episode 134 of the Testing Peers podcast. This week, join Simon, David, Tara and Chris. How do we explain testing and quality to people who are not testers, in a way that actually lands? In this episode, we talk about meeting stakeholders where they are, translating quality into the language of risk, cost and outcomes, and building trust through visible work and data. We also share practical ways to bring non-testers into the quality journey, from testathons to storytelling. What we cover Getting out of the testing echo chamber and speaking in terms others value, for example, risk, time, cost and customer impact.Why “finish testing by Friday” and pass or fail dashboards miss the point, and how to reframe around confidence and acceptable quality.Trusted advisor status is earned, not assumed, through consistent visibility and data that supports decisions.Using risk as a shared language, tying quality work to concrete mitigations that matter to stakeholders.The tension between flexibility and standards, and why some consistency helps credibility.Startups versus enterprises, common perceptions of testing, and how to counter “devs can do it all” or “cheap offshore scripts are enough”.Making the work visible: show outcomes, not just activities, and celebrate wins to build momentum.AI in quality, cautious optimism, and the importance of getting involved early so we help shape how it is used and tested.Practical ideas discussed Run regular testathons and paired exploratory sessions that include developers, product, customer support and leaders. Let people experience the work and discover real issues together.Tell relevant, audience-shaped stories. CFO cares about the cost of quality, product cares about customer outcomes, engineers care about feasibility and flow.Start small, show value, then scale. Use data from pilots to make a compelling case.Document enough to show standards and accountability, without losing agility.Use tools like RiskStorming to surface risks early and align on mitigations.Own the narrative. Be assertive, positive and specific about the value testing brings, not just the problems it finds.Shout-outs and references Callum Akehurst-Ryan on becoming trusted advisors.Sophie Küster, The Impostor’s Guide to Tooting Your Own Horn.RiskStorming and other collaborative risk techniques.Exploratory testing and team testathons as ongoing practice, not a one-off event.#PeersCon26 Call for Collaborations for written and video submissions until September 30th 2025, and also for VolunPeers. More on all this can be found here Tickets for the event are now live too, starting at £15 until December, when they go up to £30. And as always, we are looking for sponsors to make this event the success it has been for the last 2 years, get in touch if interested Thanks to our sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! www.nfocus.co.uk and [email protected] for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

Welcome to episode 133 of the Testing Peers podcast. In this episode, the Peers (Chris, Callum, David and Russell) explore the complex and often subtle art of influencing quality within teams, organisations and wider cultures. The team share stories from early careers to more recent consulting and coaching experiences. The conversation examines how influence operates in practice and what it truly means to be a voice for quality. This is a discussion about mindset shifts, not mandates. About patience, not prescriptions. Topics covered include: What influence looks like in quality-focused rolesThe difference between being responsible for quality and being a voice of qualityBuilding credibility and rapport in complex environmentsHow time, language and context influenceCoaching versus prescribing solutionsMaking invisible work visible to gain tractionOvercoming cynicism and staying curiousHow influence can ripple beyond the testing teamWhether you are coaching, testing or leading, this episode is packed with practical insights and thoughtful discussion on how to support quality in meaningful, lasting ways. #PeersCon26 Call for Collaborations for written and video submissions until September 30th 2025, and also for VolunPeers. More on all this can be found here Tickets for the event are now live too, starting at £15 until December, when they go up to £30. And as always, we are looking for sponsors to make this event the success it has been for the last 2 years, get in touch if interested Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do supporting the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and [email protected] for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

Welcome to episode 132 of the Testing Peers Podcast. This time, joining David and Chris are the returning Rachel Kibler and first-time host Vanessa Zettler, with the Peers discussing Software That Cares. Key Quote “There is no average user.” – A reminder that designing for the “average” often excludes everyone. Accessibility as a Civil Rights Issue Digital access is essential in modern life. The team explore why accessibility is about equity and inclusion, not just regulations. Temporary vs. Permanent Disability The group reflects on how anyone can join the disabled community at any time—making accessibility everyone's responsibility. Legal Landscape Landmark US cases: Robles v. Domino’s and Access Now v. Blue ApronGrowth of lawsuits in e-commerceUK legislation: Equality Act 2010 and Public Sector Bodies Accessibility RegulationsBeyond the Checklist WCAG 2.1 AA as the global standardThe limitations of automated tools and “accessibility widgets”Importance of manual validation, especially with screen readersThe Role of Testers & Quality Engineers Testers often become accessibility advocates by default: identifying, championing, and embedding inclusive practices across teams. Inclusive Design from the Start Accessibility must be considered from the beginning, not just at testing, bringing in copywriters, designers, and developers early. Emotional Sensitivity in UX Rachel highlights the need to consider emotional impact, particularly during difficult times, when crafting user-facing messages. #PeersCon26 Call for Collaborations for written and video submissions until September 30th 2025, and also for VolunPeers. More on all this can be found here Tickets for the event are now live too, starting at £15 until December, when they go up to £30. And as always, we are looking for sponsors to make this event the success it has been for the last 2 years, get in touch if interested Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do supporting the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and [email protected] for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

Welcome to a special episode of the Testing Peers to announce our Programme Committee and Theme for PeersCon 26, which is happening on 12th March 2026 in Nottingham, UK. Join our Co-Chairs David and Simon as they introduce you to the rest of the committee: Suman BalaDan AshbyBeth MarshallRita AvotaMore on the committee can be found here. After the usual banter, the team dive into talking more about the theme for the conference, which is: Context is Everything: Lessons from the Universality of Quality and Testing Across Different IndustriesQuality and testing principles may be universal, but their application varies dramatically across contexts. A quality engineer working on a highly regulated environment faces different challenges than a gaming quality engineer managing real-time multiplayer chaos, yet both share fundamental insights about risk, user impact, and systematic thinking.This theme focuses on the diversity of testing experiences across industries while uncovering the common challenges all of us can relate to. Whether you’re testing retail apps, financial systems, or manufacturing processes, your context shapes your testing approach.We’re looking for speakers from every industry and experience level to share their real-world challenges and lessons learned, hoping to provide knowledge that can be used in the audiences own context and raising the quality bar across our industry With this now discussed and their thoughts around why this was chosen, it is now time to officially open the Call for Collaborations for written and video submissions and also for VolunPeers. More on all this can be found here Tickets for the event are now live too, starting at £15 until December, when they go up to £30. And as always, we are looking for sponsors to make this event the success it has been for the last 2 years, get in touch if interested Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our brand new sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do supporting the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and [email protected] for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

Welcome to episode 130 of the Testing Peers Podcast. This time join David, Russell, Chris and Dermot as we talk Knowledge Resilience. After an ice breaker where Russell poses the question to the Peers of what have we wanted to learn, but have not yet achieved. Then Dermot sets up the main topic with the following question: "what would you do with the knowledge that you acquired? If you learned it, it's fine, but if you wanted to share that knowledge. How would you transmit that? We talk about: How people learn differently, and why a mix of formats mattersCreating living documentation that stays connected to real questionsWhat stops people from sharing, from fear and past experience to unspoken team dynamicsHow consulting and leadership roles shift your perspective on giving away knowledgeWhy rotating responsibilities and refreshing training helps surface hidden gapsThe role of psychological safety in building a culture where sharing is the normIf you've ever struggled with stale docs, tribal knowledge, or a team that relies on “just ask Dave” then this one’s for you. Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our brand new sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do supporting the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and [email protected] for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

Welcome to the latest episode of the Testing Peers podcast. This time, join David, Chris, Sanne and Beth as we discuss Bad Quality By Design (a more SFW term for ensh!ttifcation). Where products and services become deliberately less usable or joyful over time, often to drive monetisation. This isn’t accidental degradation, but intentional design choices aimed at nudging users towards subscriptions, upsells, or ad exposure. Examples the Peers discuss include: Getting a “premium” experience temporarily, then losing it unless you payMaking it easy to sign up but frustratingly hard to cancelDesigning mobile apps that force you onto desktop for key actions like unsubscribingCookie banners and friction-heavy consent flowsUX patterns that prioritise business goals over user experience (e.g. CarPlay’s rigid UI rules)The group reflect on how this gradual decline in delight has eroded pride in product quality. AI tools, for now, feel delightful by contrast because they’re still in the VC-funded honeymoon phase, but this too may fade. The group calls out the trade-off between "good enough" and genuinely caring about quality. Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our brand new sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do supporting the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and [email protected] for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show