IA Tasks

Anatomy of a task file

Written before the run, by the designer and the PA:

• Header: task ID, date, module, model, runtime, context used, PA session, task type, mode and status
• Overview: a short summary
• Context: the files the IA loads, kept deliberately small
• Hypothesis: the question the task is asking
• Background: what the IA, or a human reader, needs to know
• Binding previous decisions: earlier decisions that apply, which the IA can use to check that the task makes sense
• Requirements: what the run must deliver
• Constraints: the limits of the run

Written by the IA, in Results Capture:

• What was delivered, the test matrix and the test results
• Assumptions and decisions the IA made where the prompt gave no guidance
• RVA23 compliance risks and edge behavior
• Deferred work and other notes
• Files modified, and a context usage report

Written after the run, in the results discussion: the IA's console output, my assessment and the PA's assessment.