10 OKR examples for Software Testing

What are Software Testing OKRs?

The Objective and Key Results (OKR) framework is a simple goal-setting methodology that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s. It became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s, and it's now used by teams of all sizes to set and track ambitious goals at scale.

Creating impactful OKRs can be a daunting task, especially for newcomers. Shifting your focus from projects to outcomes is key to successful planning.

We have curated a selection of OKR examples specifically for Software Testing to assist you. Feel free to explore the templates below for inspiration in setting your own goals.

If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.

Software Testing OKRs examples

We've added many examples of Software Testing Objectives and Key Results, but we did not stop there. Understanding the difference between OKRs and projects is important, so we also added examples of strategic initiatives that relate to the OKRs.

Hope you'll find this helpful!

OKRs to enhance the efficiency of our software testing suite

OKRs to enhance the quality of software releases through manual testing

OKRs to enhance the quality of the company's testing process

OKRs to successfully transition the software team to unit testing processes

OKRs to improve testing efficiency through AI integration

OKRs to enhance quality control testing effectiveness

OKRs to ensure smooth migration of on-prem applications to cloud setup

OKRs to improve software quality and testing efficiency

OKRs to implement automation testing across development platform and code

OKRs to implement unit-testing in Mid-Office

How to write your own Software Testing OKRs

1. Get tailored OKRs with an AI

You'll find some examples below, but it's likely that you have very specific needs that won't be covered.

You can use Tability's AI generator to create tailored OKRs based on your specific context. Tability can turn your objective description into a fully editable OKR template -- including tips to help you refine your goals.

• 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
• 2. Click on the "Generate goals using AI" button
• 3. Use natural language to describe your goals

Tability will then use your prompt to generate a fully editable OKR template.

Watch the video below to see it in action 👇

Option 2. Optimise existing OKRs with Tability Feedback tool

If you already have existing goals, and you want to improve them. You can use Tability's AI feedback to help you.

• 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
• 2. Add your existing OKRs (you can import them from a spreadsheet)
• 3. Click on "Generate analysis"

Tability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRs

Tability will scan your OKRs and offer different suggestions to improve them. This can range from a small rewrite of a statement to make it clearer to a complete rewrite of the entire OKR.

You can then decide to accept the suggestions or dismiss them if you don't agree.

Option 3. Use the free OKR generator

If you're just looking for some quick inspiration, you can also use our free OKR generator to get a template.

Unlike with Tability, you won't be able to iterate on the templates, but this is still a great way to get started.

Software Testing OKR best practices

Generally speaking, your objectives should be ambitious yet achievable, and your key results should be measurable and time-bound (using the SMART framework can be helpful). It is also recommended to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.

Here are a couple of best practices extracted from our OKR implementation guide 👇

Tip #1: Limit the number of key results

Having too many OKRs is the #1 mistake that teams make when adopting the framework. The problem with tracking too many competing goals is that it will be hard for your team to know what really matters.

We recommend having 3-4 objectives, and 3-4 key results per objective. A platform like Tability can run audits on your data to help you identify the plans that have too many goals.

Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR check-ins

Setting good goals can be challenging, but without regular check-ins, your team will struggle to make progress. We recommend that you track your OKRs weekly to get the full benefits from the framework.

Being able to see trends for your key results will also keep yourself honest.

Tip #3: No more than 2 yellow statuses in a row

Yes, this is another tip for goal-tracking instead of goal-setting (but you'll get plenty of OKR examples above). But, once you have your goals defined, it will be your ability to keep the right sense of urgency that will make the difference.

As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid having more than 2 yellow/at risk statuses in a row.

Make a call on the 3rd update. You should be either back on track, or off track. This sounds harsh but it's the best way to signal risks early enough to fix things.

How to track your Software Testing OKRs

OKRs without regular progress updates are just KPIs. You'll need to update progress on your OKRs every week to get the full benefits from the framework. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:

• It brings the goals back to the top of the mind
• It will highlight poorly set OKRs
• It will surface execution risks
• It improves transparency and accountability

Most teams should start with a spreadsheet if they're using OKRs for the first time. Then, once you get comfortable you can graduate to a proper OKRs-tracking tool.

If you're not yet set on a tool, you can check out the 5 best OKR tracking templates guide to find the best way to monitor progress during the quarter.

More Software Testing OKR templates

We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.

• OKRs to improve understanding of dating algorithms
  dating-algorithmsuser-behaviordata-analystalgorithm-developerdata-analysis-teamalgorithm-development-team
• OKRs to enhance and refine my communication skills
  public-speakingcommunication-improvementteam-memberpublic-speakerlocal-public-speaking-eventscommunication-training-workshops
• OKRs to improve search results page functionality based on device id
  responsive-designpage-loading-speedweb-designeruser-experience-analystweb-development-teamuser-experience-team
• OKRs to establish robust security controls for DHS/ATO and NATO contracts
  security-controlsnato-and-dhs/ato-contractssecurity-analystdata-protection-officersecurity-management-teamit-team
• OKRs to successfully implement a new importer tool
  importer-toolproject-implementationproject-managertool-developersoftware-development-teamproject-management-team
• OKRs to boost customer acquisition rates significantly
  customer-acquisitioncustomer-retentionsales-strategistcustomer-service-representativesales-teamcustomer-service-team