Beta Testing Feature Flag Setup

Beta Testing with Feature Flags

Beta testing flags combine user targeting and segment rules to create a controlled preview program. Users opt in to the beta, get access to new features, and provide feedback before general release.

Configuration Example

{
  "beta-ai-summarizer": {
    "name": "AI Document Summarizer (Beta)",
    "description": "AI-powered document summarization - beta program",
    "type": "boolean",
    "enabled": true,
    "defaultValue": false,
    "targeting": [
      {
        "type": "user-segment",
        "segment": "beta-testers"
      },
      {
        "type": "user-ids",
        "userIds": "vip-001, vip-002, partner-acme"
      }
    ]
  }
}

Beta Program Architecture

User opts in to beta
    ↓
Added to "beta-testers" segment
    ↓
Feature flags targeting beta-testers activate
    ↓
User sees beta features + feedback widget
    ↓
Feedback collected and analyzed
    ↓
Feature promoted to general availability
    ↓
User removed from beta (or segment retired)

Beta Feature Variants

For beta features, you might want to show a visual indicator:

{
  "beta-features-config": {
    "type": "json",
    "defaultValue": {
      "showBetaBadge": true,
      "showFeedbackButton": true,
      "feedbackUrl": "https://forms.example.com/beta-feedback",
      "features": [
        "ai-summarizer",
        "smart-search",
        "collaboration-v2"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Managing Beta Access

Method	Pros	Cons
Opt-in form	Self-service, scalable	May get too many users
Invite-only	Controlled quality	Slow to scale
Plan-based	Enterprise beta first	Misses small user feedback
Usage-based	Targets active users	Complex to implement

Beta to GA Transition

1. Collect feedback and fix reported issues
2. Add percentage rollout alongside beta segment
3. Increase percentage while keeping beta users in
4. At 100%, remove the flag entirely
5. Clean up beta-specific UI (badges, feedback buttons)

Feedback Collection Tips

• Embed a feedback button that is only visible to beta users
• Include the flag key in bug reports for easy triage
• Track feature usage metrics separately for beta users
• Send periodic surveys to beta participants
• Create a dedicated Slack channel or forum for beta feedback