Our understanding of reality is shaped less by facts than by how we perceive them. Decisions are rarely made based on perfect information, yet their consequences are very real.

In this talk, Koen Van Belle explores how perception shapes reality, using the Charge of the Light Brigade as a powerful historical example of how misinterpretation and flawed assumptions can lead to irreversible outcomes. Through this story, he illustrates how perception influences behavior, decision-making, and ultimately impact - even when everyone involved believes they are acting correctly.

The session connects this idea to modern software development and testing, where teams constantly operate based on partial information, mental models, and assumptions. Koen challenges the audience to reflect on how their own perceptions shape the systems they build, the risks they accept, and the decisions they justify.

Rather than offering prescriptive rules, this talk encourages awareness. By understanding how perception forms — and how easily it can diverge from reality — attendees will leave with a sharper lens for questioning assumptions, improving communication, and making more deliberate decisions in complex environments.