8.6QA's Role in Both

Verification Role

• Write and execute test cases against specifications
• Report defects when behavior deviates from specs
• Maintain regression test suites
• Participate in code and design reviews

Validation Role

• Participate in UAT sessions with real users
• Provide usability feedback based on testing experience
• Question requirements that seem confusing or incomplete
• Report "this works correctly but seems wrong" observations
• Advocate for the end user when the spec is ambiguous

The Shift-Left Approach

Modern QA engineers participate in validation earlier in the process:

• During requirement refinement: "This requirement says X, but users might expect Y"
• During design review: "This flow has 7 steps — can we reduce it to 3?"
• During sprint planning: "Have we talked to users about whether they actually need this feature?"