Lite Test Plan
As testing becomes more agile - the large test plan has often become a distant relic. We still need to capture non functional requirements, just focusing our attention towards the critical detail.
So how can we condense the large test plan into something small and concise?
NB - Much of this detail can be captured in your test management software but it still makes sense to present your test plan to ensure the audience view it and understand it.
One Page Performance Test Plan
Consider creating a table (3 x 2) and capturing the key details. This could be on a Wiki, spreadsheet or direct into email. Whatever the delivery method ensure that all of the key stakeholders gain visibility.
In this example we have manage to condense the following onto one page:-
Introduction - provide a project overview to ensure the audience understand the context.
In Scope / Out of Scope - clarify what will and won’t be tested.
Risks / Assumptions - call out any risks or assumptions.
Environment / Tools - state the target environment and the test tools to be used.
Resources / Time scales - name the person responsible for the testing and time scales.
Test Activities - state the testing activities including scripts, test types, test data, volumes, monitoring & reporting.
Acceptance Criteria - state the measurements for test success/failure.
You could always split out further detail to separate files and link to them either directly on the page or as part of the delivery method.
Several Page Performance Test Plan
If there is more detail than you can physically fit on to one page, condense the information down to a small number of pages.
Look to create a slide deck, given the space restriction per slide this should still help focus towards concise content.
Again, where extra detail is required split this out to separate documents and provide links.
NB - Try not to go crazy small on the font to try and copy and paste the original plan.
Static HTML page / Wiki
Alternatively, why not create a simple HTML table. This could be on a Wiki or a self contained HTML page that could be distributed.