EXTquality

EXTquality refers to a theoretical concept in software development and product management that emphasizes external quality as a primary driver for success. External quality is defined as the user's perception of a product's performance, reliability, usability, and overall satisfaction. This contrasts with internal quality, which focuses on metrics like code maintainability, test coverage, and architectural soundness, primarily valued by developers.

The core principle of EXTquality is that ultimately, it is the end-user's experience that determines a product's market acceptance and long-term viability. While internal quality is crucial for efficient development and reducing technical debt, focusing solely on it can lead to products that are technically sound but fail to meet user needs or expectations. EXTquality advocates for a shift in perspective, prioritizing user feedback, usability testing, and feature sets that directly impact the user's interaction with the product.

Implementing an EXTquality-driven approach often involves methodologies like Agile development with its iterative feedback loops, user-centered design principles, and continuous delivery pipelines that allow for rapid response to user needs. Success is measured not just by bug counts or lines of code, but by metrics such as customer retention, Net Promoter Score (NPS), and market share. Organizations that embrace EXTquality aim to build products that are not only functional but also delightful and indispensable to their users.