Select products and product components to be validated and the validation methods that will be used for each.

Products and product components are selected for validation on the basis of their relationship to user needs. For each product component, the scope of the validation (e.g., operational behavior, maintenance, training, and user interface) should be determined.

The requirements and constraints for performing validation are collected. Then, validation methods are selected based on their ability to demonstrate that user needs are satisfied. The validation methods not only define the approach to product validation, but also drive the needs for the facilities, equipment, and environments. This may result in the generation of lower level product component requirements that are handled by the requirements development processes. Derived requirements, such as interface requirements to test sets and test equipment, can be generated. These requirements are also passed to the requirements development processes to ensure that the product or product components can be validated in an environment that supports the methods.

Validation methods should be selected early in the life of the project so that they are clearly understood and agreed to by the relevant stakeholders.

The validation methods address the development, maintenance, support, and training for the product or product component as appropriate.

For Hardware Engineering

Hardware validation activities include modeling to validate form, fit, and function of mechanical designs; thermal modeling; maintainability and reliability analysis; timeline demonstrations; and electrical design simulations of electronic or mechanical product components.

Typical Work Products

1.    Lists of products and product components selected for validation

2.    Validation methods for each product or product component

3.    Requirements for performing validation for each product or product component

4.    Validation constraints for each product or product component

Subpractices

1.    Identify the key principles, features, and phases for product or product component validation throughout the life of the project.

2.    Determine which categories of user needs (operational, maintenance, training, or support) are to be validated.

The product or product component must be maintainable and supportable in its intended operational environment. This specific practice also addresses the actual maintenance, training, and support services that may be delivered along with the product.

3.    Select the product and product components to be validated.

4.    Select the evaluation methods for product or product component validation.

5.    Review the validation selection, constraints, and methods with relevant stakeholders.