How I Used the QARE Framework to Build a Quality-First Testing Strategy

When helping teams move from chaos to clarity in software quality, it’s not just about testing more—it’s about testing smarter. In a recent assignment, I had the opportunity to conduct a deep-dive investigation into how a development organization approached quality and testing. What I found wasn’t surprising—but it was eye-opening.

To structure my investigation and formulate a clear, actionable path forward, I used the QARE framework. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through how QARE helped me gather insights, uncover pain points, and create a scalable and evolving test strategy focused on quality.

what is the Q.A.R.E. Framework?

 

QARE stands for:

• Quality – What should we test?
• Analysis – How should we test it?
• Risk – Who is responsible for testing?
• Execution – When do we test and how do we monitor it?

This model helps bring structure to investigative and strategic work—especially in complex environments where testing, quality, and delivery cycles are deeply interconnected

Phase 1: Asking the Right Questions

To begin, I interviewed every Product Owner across the organization. I was particularly interested in understanding their definition of quality and how it translated into daily decisions around testing, delivery, and releases.

What I found was a fragmented landscape, each team had its own interpretation of what “good quality” meant. Some emphasized speed and new features, while others valued robustness but lacked the tools or processes to enforce it.

Key questions I explored included:

• How do you define quality in your team?
• What’s your current approach to testing?
• What challenges do you face in test coverage, data, and timelines?

Phase 2: Analyzing the Answers

Here’s what emerged from the conversations:

• Lack of Alignment on Quality: Different teams had different definitions of what “quality” means. Without a shared vision, consistency suffers.
• Over-focus on Code Coverage: While code coverage is useful, it doesn’t guarantee real-world functionality or value.
• Testing Happens Too Late: In many cases, teams depended on end-stage testing rather than building quality into development from the start.
• Poor Test Data: Fake or unrealistic test data led to irrelevant bugs—or worse, missed bugs.
• Missing Feedback Loops: Without a mechanism to see if changes actually improved quality, improvements risk becoming performative instead of impactful.

 

Phase 3: Reflecting on the Patterns

The situation wasn’t unique—but it required a strategic, yet human, response. Here’s what I concluded:

• We needed a unified definition of quality.
• Test strategies must be adapted to each team’s context, not forced as a one-size-fits-all policy.
• We must treat quality as a living strategy—one that evolves as the teams grow and the product matures.
• Early testing and better data would significantly improve both delivery speed and product confidence.

Phase 4: Executing the Plan

The strategy I developed is built around continuous improvement and team ownership, guided by these key pillars:

1. Create a Shared Quality Definition
   Teams will collaborate to define what good quality means for their context and domain.
2. Develop Team-Specific Quality Strategies
   Each team will build its own test matrix and quality plan, starting with pilots.
3. Improve Test Data Realism
   Replace synthetic or “fake” test data with real-world-like scenarios where possible.
4. Layered Testing and Feedback Loops
   Apply testing at different levels (unit, integration, system) and establish clear feedback mechanisms.
5. Train and Upskill Teams
   Hands-on workshops and peer support will elevate testing competence and mindset across the organization.
6. Build a Living Quality Strategy
   Like moving from horse and wagon to a spaceship, the strategy grows with each milestone, always evolving.

Results and Next Steps

The plan spans a year with phases for pilot training, rollout, and full adoption. The focus isn’t just on documentation, it’s about taking real action. We’re embedding testing deeper into the development process and aligning quality as a shared responsibility, not a separate step.

If there’s one thing I hope others take away from this work, it’s this:

Don’t let testing be an afterthought. Make it the foundation of your product’s trustworthiness.

Final Thoughts

Using the QARE framework gave structure and clarity to what could have been a chaotic process. It helped me build trust, gather insights, and most importantly, transform those insights into action.

If you’re facing challenges around inconsistent quality, scattered test practices, or missed bugs, try applying QARE. It’s not just a framework. It’s a way to listen, learn, and lead.

Want to Explore This Further?

Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn or download the Q.A.R.E. Framework Guide Now https://xplorafory.com/signup-qare-framework