{"id":3246,"date":"2025-10-15T11:29:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-15T09:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/craft.tasnadi.group\/?p=3246"},"modified":"2026-09-04T11:39:08","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T09:39:08","slug":"why-delivery-projects-fail-transforming-testing-from-a-task-to-a-strategic-mindset","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/craft-conf.com\/2027\/blog\/why-delivery-projects-fail-transforming-testing-from-a-task-to-a-strategic-mindset\/","title":{"rendered":"Why delivery projects fail: transforming testing from a task to a strategic mindset"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In today\u2019s fast-moving digital world, teams often rush to build \u2013 chasing deliverables without fully understanding the problem, the users, or what success actually looks like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In her insightful talk at&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/craft-conf.com\/2025\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Craft Conference 2025<\/a>,&nbsp;<strong>Chisara (Chisa) Nwabara<\/strong>&nbsp;challenged this pattern by redefining testing not as a QA task, but as a&nbsp;<strong>strategic mindset<\/strong>&nbsp;that can shape product thinking, improve collaboration, and prevent costly missteps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This wasn\u2019t about unit tests or coverage metrics. It was about&nbsp;<strong>thinking before doing<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 slowing down to go faster, using testing principles to create clarity, alignment, and real momentum in product and service development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/craft-conf.com\/2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/54580318535_2438310b0e_k-1024x682-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3248\" srcset=\"https:\/\/craft-conf.com\/2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/54580318535_2438310b0e_k-1024x682-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/craft-conf.com\/2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/54580318535_2438310b0e_k-1024x682-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/craft-conf.com\/2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/54580318535_2438310b0e_k-1024x682-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make testing a strategic advantage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At its core,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/craft-conf.com\/2025\/speaker\/chisara-nwabara\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chisara\u2019s<\/a>&nbsp;message was about understanding testing as a&nbsp;<strong>strategic tool<\/strong>: something to apply before code is written, before teams are spun up, and before resources are committed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A testing mindset helps answer critical questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Are we solving the right problem?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What does success look like?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Who needs to be involved and when?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By shifting testing earlier, teams can avoid many of the pitfalls that derail projects later on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Start with readiness: test before you build<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before building anything, ask:&nbsp;<strong>Are we actually ready?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIf you don\u2019t have what you need, don\u2019t start.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Readiness isn\u2019t just having a backlog. It\u2019s having the right&nbsp;<strong>inputs<\/strong>. This is where the&nbsp;<strong>Definition of Ready<\/strong>&nbsp;comes in. Develop a checklist to ensure that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The problem is clearly defined.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assumptions and expected behaviors are known.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dependencies are understood.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stakeholders are aligned.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Without this, even the best-intentioned build can lead to rework, confusion, or outright failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/craft-conf.com\/2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/54579127502_083bfa4db4_k-1024x682-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3247\" srcset=\"https:\/\/craft-conf.com\/2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/54579127502_083bfa4db4_k-1024x682-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/craft-conf.com\/2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/54579127502_083bfa4db4_k-1024x682-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/craft-conf.com\/2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/54579127502_083bfa4db4_k-1024x682-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frame before building: define outcomes first<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A key part of readiness is clarity on expected behaviors and outcomes. Chisara introduced the&nbsp;<strong>Given-When-Then<\/strong>&nbsp;model to structure that clarity:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Given:<\/strong>\u00a0the context or state before an action<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>When:<\/strong>\u00a0the action or trigger<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Then:<\/strong>\u00a0the expected result or outcome<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you can\u2019t describe this clearly for a story or feature, you\u2019re not ready to build. And if those outcomes don\u2019t align with broader organizational goals, you may be building something that doesn\u2019t matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Avoid common pitfalls with a testing mindset<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chisara highlighted several traps that derail projects \u2013 and how a testing mindset can prevent them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Jumping to solutions too quickly<\/strong><br>Starting with solutions feels fast but often sends teams in the wrong direction. Test and validate the problem first.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Disconnected doers<\/strong><br>When team members don\u2019t see how their work connects to the mission, it\u2019s a sign of weak framing. Good tests tie the \u201cwhy\u201d to every \u201cwhat.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Confusing a brain dump with a plan<\/strong><br>Listing tasks isn\u2019t planning. Testing helps create structure, priorities, and shared understanding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Assuming shared understanding<\/strong><br>If everyone doesn\u2019t get it, you\u2019re not ready. Alignment is part of testing.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Who needs to be in the room?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What do they need?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How do you know they got it?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Doing too much, too fast<\/strong><br>Tackling everything at once prevents learning. Ruthless prioritization is essential. One clear test at a time, not ten blurry ones.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Building in the wrong order<\/strong><br>If there\u2019s no agreement on expectations, you\u2019re on shaky ground. Define first. Test the understanding. Then proceed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/craft-conf.com\/2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/54580319190_604e7009f4_k-1024x682-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3249\" srcset=\"https:\/\/craft-conf.com\/2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/54580319190_604e7009f4_k-1024x682-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/craft-conf.com\/2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/54580319190_604e7009f4_k-1024x682-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/craft-conf.com\/2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/54580319190_604e7009f4_k-1024x682-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">From chaos to clarity: a repeatable mindset<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chisara ended with a clear, practical sequence teams can adopt:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Start with an opportunity and a hypothesis<\/strong><br>Don\u2019t just build. Define what you\u2019re trying to learn or prove.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ensure clarity and alignment<\/strong><br>Everyone involved should understand what you\u2019re doing, why it matters, and how success is defined.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prioritize and iterate<\/strong><br>Focus on the most valuable thing first. Test it. Then move on.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Follow the correct order of operations<\/strong><br>Get agreements, definitions, and validations in place before you build.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chisara\u2019s talk was a powerful reminder:&nbsp;<strong>testing isn\u2019t just about catching bugs \u2013 it\u2019s about preventing waste.<\/strong>&nbsp;It\u2019s about framing problems clearly, making deliberate decisions, and empowering teams to build with purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When testing becomes a mindset applied throughout the entire lifecycle \u2013 not just the code \u2013 teams create stronger products, better collaborations, and far fewer surprises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Slow down to test, and speed up delivery.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In today\u2019s fast-moving digital world, teams often rush to build \u2013 chasing deliverables without fully understanding the problem, the users, or what success actually looks like. In her insightful talk at&nbsp;Craft Conference 2025,&nbsp;Chisara (Chisa) Nwabara&nbsp;challenged this pattern by redefining testing not as a QA task, but as a&nbsp;strategic mindset&nbsp;that can shape product thinking, improve collaboration, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":83,"featured_media":3248,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_robots_follow":"","_seopress_robots_imageindex":"","_seopress_robots_snippet":"","_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_robots_breadcrumbs":"","_seopress_robots_freeze_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_custom_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_canonical":"","_seopress_social_fb_title":"","_seopress_social_fb_desc":"","_seopress_social_fb_img":"","_seopress_social_fb_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_height":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_title":"","_seopress_social_twitter_desc":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_height":0,"_seopress_redirections_value":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled_regex":"","_seopress_redirections_logged_status":"","_seopress_redirections_param":"","_seopress_redirections_type":0,"_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"","_seopress_news_disabled":"","_seopress_video_disabled":"","_seopress_video":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas_manual":[],"_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable_all":"","_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[113],"tags":[106,112],"hf_cat_post":[],"class_list":["post-3246","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-craft-talks","tag-qa-craft","tag-craft-2025"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/craft-conf.com\/2027\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3246","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/craft-conf.com\/2027\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/craft-conf.com\/2027\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craft-conf.com\/2027\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/83"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craft-conf.com\/2027\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3246"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/craft-conf.com\/2027\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3246\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3250,"href":"https:\/\/craft-conf.com\/2027\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3246\/revisions\/3250"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craft-conf.com\/2027\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3248"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/craft-conf.com\/2027\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3246"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craft-conf.com\/2027\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3246"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craft-conf.com\/2027\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3246"},{"taxonomy":"hf_cat_post","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craft-conf.com\/2027\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hf_cat_post?post=3246"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}