Magical thinking applied to test engineering reality (and vice versa)

The high-technology industry in general, and its infrastructure aspects (such as testing) in particular, have recently garnered skepticism with respect to the ability to continue to innovate. This talk will analyze the sources of such criticism, along with possible antidotes, especially the role of “magical thinking” (as popularized in the recent biography of Steve Jobs). The distinction between fantasy and vision will be explained, with examples drawn from several aspects of practical test engineering, both past and future. The audience will be challenged (and hopefully inspired) to tackle the problems faced by our industry with an approach which is at the same time both visionary and pragmatic.