Commentary and Perspective: AI Testing

By Colin McNamara

Published in Business & Strategy

September 21, 2023

2 min read

My Expanding Viewpoint on AI Testing

In the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, ensuring our systems’ reliability, safety, and efficiency is paramount. A recent article on the Krisp Engineering blog titled “Applying the Seven Testing Principles to AI Testing” provides a look into how traditional software testing principles can be applied to the world of AI. As a user of the Krisp product, I can attest to its efficacy. It’s a game-changer, allowing me to work seamlessly in noisy places all around the world. Let’s dive deeper into some of the key takeaways from the article and discuss their implications from a business-centric lens.

1. AI System Quality and Business Objectives

The article underscores that the primary focus in AI system quality testing is ensuring that the logic aligns with the expected behavior. From a business perspective, this means AI projects demand a different approach. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about ensuring the AI aligns with broader business objectives and delivers tangible value to end-users.

2. Balancing Act: Accuracy vs. Efficiency

The challenge of balancing accuracy with CPU usage is a classic business trade-off. Higher accuracy might enhance user experiences but could also lead to increased operational costs. The article touches upon this delicate balance, emphasizing the need for “careful consideration of tradeoffs.”

3. The Seven Principles and Business Strategy

When applied to AI, the seven principles of software testing offer a roadmap for businesses. They emphasize proactive strategies, risk management, and continuous improvement. For instance, the principle that “defects tend to cluster together” can guide enterprises in resource allocation, focusing on high-risk areas to ensure maximum ROI on testing efforts.

4. The Importance of Early Testing

The principle “early testing saves time and money” resonates deeply from a financial standpoint. The article highlights that early testing is a cost-effective approach to identifying and resolving defects early on. This proactive approach pays dividends, ensuring AI systems are robust and reliable.

5. Context is King

Every business is unique, and so are its AI testing needs. The principle that “testing is context-dependent” underscores the importance of tailoring testing methods to the specific business context. The article elaborates on the various factors that define this context, emphasizing the need for a tailored approach.

6. Real-world Application: Krisp’s Noise Cancellation

Krisp’s application of these principles in testing their noise cancellation technology showcases their effectiveness. The article provides insights into how rigorous testing of various parameters becomes indispensable. It’s a real-world example of how adhering to these principles can lead to tangible business outcomes, something I’ve personally experienced using the product.

Closing Thoughts

AI testing is more than just a technical endeavor; it’s a strategic business initiative. By understanding and applying the principles outlined in the Krisp article, businesses can ensure their AI systems are technically sound and aligned with broader business goals. As AI continues to permeate various industries, a robust testing framework will be the foundation of successful AI implementations.