The Practical Guide to Defect Prevention

Clarifying the Assumptions Made in a Defect Taxonomy

We can change only things we can control, so it makes little sense to detect issues we can’t affect. For example, it makes little sense to determine whether there is a relationship between defects and the weather. A defect taxonomy is designed to cast a wide net and see what it catches. The nature of the net determines the areas the taxonomy can highlight, so it is important to use a wide net to catch not only what you think may be issues but the rest of the spectrum as well.

A taxonomy is colored by the assumptions made in creating it. Assumptions made in a taxonomy affect the data gathered and the conclusions that can be reached. You can use a few techniques to limit the effect of these ...