Independent knowledge base software guide Evidence-led Updated 2026
Free proof-of-concept workbook · No signup
25-Task Knowledge Base Software Trial Test Plan
Run the same authoring, search, AI, permissions, migration, export, mobile, accessibility, integration, analytics, and operations tasks in every shortlisted product.
Independent and vendor-neutral: no vendor names, affiliate ranking, prefilled scores, or email gate are built into the file.
Start HereInputsSummaryLists
IDAreaEvidence / taskStatus
01SearchRun the fixed query and preserve proofNot tested
02AccessVerify restricted content with two personasEvidence
03ExportReconcile reusable content and metadataReview
04DecisionKeep blockers separate from averagesHuman
Illustrative preview of the file structure. The download contains the full editable template.
Excel .xlsxeditable download
Version 1.0clear change control
August 10, 2026last updated
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Inside the download
What the 25-task trial plan verifies
The value is in the method, evidence fields, visible limits, and decision controls—not in decorative blank cells.
Each task includes a procedure, pass criteria, priority, mandatory flag, owner, time, evidence, and decision impact.
Allowed sources, expected behavior, required facts, forbidden claims, citations, risk, and observed result.
Severity, reproduction steps, evidence, vendor response, target fix, retest, and decision impact.
Execution, pass, weighted pass, and evidence coverage are calculated separately.
A mandatory Fail produces Stop; missing or blocked mandatory work produces Extend trial.
Record edition, build, region, personas, source fixture, languages, and AI configuration.
How to use it
Four steps from blank template to evidence
Freeze scope, personas, fixture, pass criteria, priorities, and owners.
Use identical source content and queries for every shortlisted platform.
Attach screenshots, exports, raw outputs, and finding IDs to completed tasks.
Re-run changed behavior, then read coverage, blockers, and open findings before deciding.
What this template does not prove
A trial result applies only to the tested edition, build, region, configuration, fixture, and date. The repeat counts are an exploratory baseline, not a statistical estimate of rare failures. The accessibility task is not a WCAG certification.
Use it with evidence
Related guides and companion templates
File-specific questions
Frequently asked questions
Why exactly 25 tasks?
The set is small enough to run in a real trial but broad enough to expose decision-critical gaps across content, search, access, AI, migration, and operations.
How many times should AI tasks run?
Use three ordinary runs and five critical authorization, prompt-injection, or leakage runs as an exploratory starting point—not a statistical estimate of rare failures. Preserve every output and increase the sample when risk warrants it.
Is Blocked a failure?
Blocked is not a pass. It signals that the task could not be completed under the tested plan or conditions and needs evidence or a decision.
Can vendors run the test for us?
A vendor demo can explain the product, but decision-critical tasks are stronger when your evaluator controls the data, persona, query, and evidence.
Download, adapt, and preserve the evidence
We keep each download URL stable across version updates so your bookmarks and citations continue to work. No email address or account is required.
Published by Knowledge-Base.software · Template v1.0 · Updated August 10, 2026 · Free to adapt for internal evaluation; no resale · Editorial standards · Corrections