Which process is used to track the progress of detected defects?

The process used to track the progress of detected defects is defect lifecycle management. This process encompasses all stages of a defect's life, from its discovery through to its resolution and closure. It involves logging the defect when identified, assessing its severity, tracking its status as it moves through various phases (such as identification, analysis, resolution, verification, and closure), and ultimately ensuring that the defect has been addressed satisfactorily.

Defect lifecycle management is essential in quality assurance as it provides a structured approach for teams to monitor defects, manage communications around them, and report on defect status. By employing this process, teams can maintain visibility into defect resolutions, prioritize work based on severity and impact, and ensure that critical issues are addressed efficiently.

The other processes listed do not specifically focus on tracking defects. Test case design pertains to the creation of test cases based on requirements and is not directly related to defect tracking. Test execution involves running the tests and reporting results but does not inherently manage the lifecycle of any detected defects. Requirements gathering is the initial stage of understanding what needs to be built and does not deal with defects at all. Therefore, defect lifecycle management stands out as the dedicated process for tracking defect progress throughout its lifecycle.