How can the impact of changes to requirements on testing be assessed?

Assessing the impact of changes to requirements on testing is essential to ensure that the testing process remains effective and aligned with the current expectations of the stakeholders. The most effective way to do this is by analyzing how changes affect existing test cases and their coverage. This approach allows for a clear identification of which test cases may need to be updated, discarded, or supplemented based on the modifications in requirements.

When changes occur, it's crucial to review existing test cases to determine if they still align with the altered requirements. This analysis includes verifying if the requirements are adequately covered by the current tests and if there are potential gaps in testing that need addressing. This ensures that all scenarios—both existing and new—are adequately validated, helping to maintain the quality of the software product.

In contrast, evaluating team performance metrics provides insights into the overall efficiency and productivity of the testing team, but it doesn't directly address how requirements changes impact specific test cases or coverage. Likewise, stakeholder interviews may provide qualitative insights but lack the detailed analysis of existing test coverage and specific adjustments needed in the testing suite. Focusing solely on new functionalities neglects the critical analysis that informs how changes in requirements may affect already established test cases, missing the broader implications of the modifications.