Quality Function Deployment

Quality function deployment (QFD) is a methodology used to prioritize the voice of the customer (VOC) throughout the product development process. It helps in translating customer opinions into specific product features to create a satisfactory product for prospects.

Historical Background of QFD

QFD was created in the 1960s by Yoji Akao and Shigeru Mizun to effectively translate voice of the customer (VOC) into specific product features, making it an essential tool in product development.

House of Quality

The house of quality is a core tool in the QFD methodology and consists of different sections such as the "whats" (customer needs), competitive analysis, technical or engineering specifications, and control factors. These sections help in organizing and prioritizing features based on customer requirements and technical specifications.

Voice of the Customer (VOC)

Identifying the voice of the customer (VOC) is crucial in the QFD process as it provides insights into customer needs and preferences. Various sources such as feature requests and sales feedback can be used to gather VOC effectively.

Product Development

In the product development phase of QFD, technical requirements are moved to the left side of the house of quality matrix, and critical parts or product specifications are identified. This phase helps in incorporating customer requirements into product design and ensuring design consistency and quality.

By following these phases of QFD, companies can align their product development process with customer needs and preferences, leading to the creation of successful and desirable products.