How is UAT performed in an agile environment?

UAT in an agile environment starts with developing user stories, reviewing sprints, and ends with UAT sprints at end of the release.
Developing User Stories: It describes the user, the feature customer wants to use, and finally, the reason the customer needs it.
As a (user),
I want (a feature)
So I can (reason of need/business benefit)
Story and acceptance test cases (also known as acceptance criteria) should be included in a user story. As a story is defined, so are the acceptance criteria. In agile UAT the emphasis on business acceptance requirements is given during the developing phase of the user story itself, rather than waiting until later in the project like traditional UAT. It is very helpful to determine acceptance criteria in the beginning phase itself as it helps in keeping the teams focused and helps them to understand what is needed. It also reduces the chances of errors and reworks.
Sprint Review or Demo: In this step, teams provide demos to the product owner or customer so that the client gets to know what has been achieved and how it will help them in meeting the business requirements. These demonstrations are kept interactive to allow a rapid flow of feedbacks. The addition of the UAT task for each story is another strategy that many agile teams apply to their working process. As part of the development process, this guarantees another level of user engagement, thus increasing feedback and acceptance.

UAT Sprints: This is the last step in which the overall user acceptance test is conducted by the end-user to complete the process. In this process, sprints are focused on UAT and help in identifying any defect which might occur in a later stage and cause rework. This helps in making sure that the customer checks the software fully before accepting it.

What are the benefits of UAT in an agile environment?

UAT in agile is more rigorous, fast, and time-bound
User stories are defined at the beginning of UAT which gives the team a clear understanding of what is expected from them.
UAT in an agile environment allows quicker iterations.
UAT in an agile environment keeps the customer or business owner directly involved in project sprints.
Product quality is enhanced as constant feedback is received from the customer.
It ensures that transparency is maintained between all stakeholders and everyone works in close collaboration.

Conclusion: Agile methodologies are popular and many enterprises are adopting them as these methodologies are considered flexible, better, and faster than traditional approaches. Many enterprises now conduct UAT under an agile environment as allows the involvement of a business owner or customer throughout the UAT process. It helps the team in getting constant feedback from the customer which ultimately improves the product’s quality. Also since user stories are defined in the starting phase of the UAT process, it keeps the teams focused and clear about what is expected from them. Leverage UAT testing from a next-gen QA and software testing services provider to achieve high-quality software and to deliver a great UX.