Mastering the ‘Test #1’ Role: A Blueprint for Quality Leadership in Large Projects

1. Introduction

JD currently implements the BigBoss mechanism and a modular organization, emphasizing a "business" mindset to foster owner awareness and accelerate value creation. For testing staff, this translates into the "Test #1" responsibility.

2. What Is Test #1 and Its Origin?

Test #1, also called the lead tester or quality architect, is a role split from large projects (similar to Product #1, Development #1). The role coordinates resources, test planning, case review, risk prediction, and issue resolution to ensure high‑quality delivery.

Hub Function: Connects multiple testing entities, modules, business lines, and teams, requiring strong horizontal coordination.

Half‑Project‑Manager Attributes: Communicates and negotiates with other roles, proactively anticipates problems, and demonstrates strong logical thinking.

Vertical Reporting & Management: Reports upward, manages downstream tasks, summarizes progress, raises issues, and allocates resources.

Overall, Test #1 is a virtual yet pivotal role centered on communication and core values such as perseverance, collaboration, responsibility, integrity, gratitude, and customer‑first mindset.

3. What Does Test #1 Need to Do?

From project kickoff, Test #1 follows nine guiding steps:

Background & Context: Understand project purpose, benefits, involved teams, systems, key roles, milestones, and delivery timelines to build a comprehensive “intelligence” view.

Scope, Schedule & Resources (BRD/PRD Review): Clarify scope, estimate resources, and participate in BRD reviews to anticipate risks and negotiate early.

Linkage Logic Diagram: For large projects, map system‑to‑system interactions at interface, application, and system levels to identify hidden risks.

Test Plan Development:

Decompose long chains into sub‑links, assign owners, define testable items, high‑availability measures, and automation features.

Identify core attack points or special business specials (e.g., performance, compatibility, security).

Milestones & Rhythm: Align test milestones with overall project schedule and communicate with the project manager.

Test Material Preparation: Ensure test data are convenient, flexible, timely, multi‑dimensional, and secure; distinguish between simple and complex material types.

Core & End‑to‑End Test‑Case Review: Conduct cross‑system case reviews with product, development, and other stakeholders, documenting outcomes and tracking risks.

Execution Phase (Risk Anticipation & Resolution):

Daily meetings to surface risks and seek assistance.

Escalate unresolved issues to higher authorities.

Bug‑daily‑clear mechanism to ensure timely fixes.

Collect test records for traceability, retrospection, and knowledge sharing.

Control urgent demands and change requests through a gate‑keeping process.

Collaborate with upstream/downstream teams for UAT and acceptance.

Full‑Link Drill‑Down Script (Large Projects): Select P0‑level end‑to‑end cases, organize a scripted rehearsal with all roles, and uncover hidden scenarios.

Release & Summary:

Coordinate rollout order, gray‑release strategy, and rollback plans.

Integrate monitoring into the inspection system for early issue detection.

Document post‑release findings, consolidate best practices, and conduct retrospectives to build reusable knowledge.

4. Billion‑Yuan Subsidy Case Study

The 2023 “Billion‑Yuan Subsidy” project involved extensive systems and teams, demanding rapid delivery. Test #1 was split into six major sub‑links (e.g., promotion, guide, transaction, finance, appeal, channel shielding) and seven special tracks (material coordination, channel performance, B‑end experience, version assurance, risk control, stress testing, crowd testing), with security team involvement to ensure end‑to‑end quality.

5. Final Thoughts & Tips

As business complexity grows, the Test #1 role expands, requiring deeper thinking, ownership, and cross‑functional collaboration. Key tips include close cooperation with project managers, aligning with system lead testers, documenting tasks and priorities, focusing on results over process, and managing personal pressure through communication and healthy outlets.

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