Design for Six Sigma in Product and Service Development

By Elizabeth Cudney, assistant professor, Missouri University of Science and Technology


Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) is a roadmap for the development of robust products and processes. DFSS is a data-driven quality strategy for designing products and services. It is an integral part of the Six Sigma quality initiative. The goal of DFSS is to avoid manufacturing/service process problems using systems engineering techniques. DFSS consists of five interconnected phases: identify-define-design-optimize-validate (IDDOV). As such, it is a closed-loop system that starts and ends with the customer.

This book grew out of the need for practitioners and students to better understand how to apply and integrate the DFSS methodology and its associated tools and techniques. Real-world examples and hands-on experience are invaluable resources when instructing the use of methods and tools in training or in a classroom. The instructor may not have access to these resources; thus, they can teach only theory and basic examples. Another solution is the use of case studies. Case studies can help enhance the learning experience by allowing the learner a role in a real scenario. The story of the case study adds life to a seemingly lifeless group of tools. With this understanding, DFSS methods taught with the aid of case studies may help some novices and even experienced individuals better assimilate the tools since they are presented as a whole. 

The primary objective of this book is to provide real-world DFSS projects performed for a wide variety of product and process/service designs following the IDDOV process. The purpose is to facilitate DFSS instruction by providing interactive case studies that will enable the learners to apply the IDDOV phases.

The chapters include:

Chapter 1: Instructional Strategies for Using this Book
Chapter 2: Design for Six Sigma IDDOV Roadmap Overview

Part I:  Product Design for Six Sigma Projects
Chapter 3: Walker – A Design for Six Sigma Case Study
Chapter 4: Design of a Military Tool Holder – A Design for Six Sigma Case Study
Chapter 5: Design of a Can Crusher – A Design for Six Sigma Case Study
Chapter 6: Design of a Hazardous Chemical Cleanup System – A Design for Six Sigma Case Study
Chapter 7: Design of a Radio Frequency Coverage for Wireless Communications – A Design for Six Sigma Case Study
Chapter 8: Solar Heated Jacket – A Design for Six Sigma Case Study
Chapter 9: Traveling Jewelry Box – A Design for Six Sigma Case Study
Chapter 10: Design of an Optical Mouse – A Design for Six Sigma Case Study
Chapter 11: Design of a Duffel Bag – A Design for Six Sigma Case Study

Part II:  Service Process Design for Six Sigma Projects
Chapter 12: Design of Women’s Center Service Processes– A Design for Six Sigma Case Study
Chapter 13:  Project Charter Review Process Design – A Design for Six Sigma Case Study
Chapter 14: IT System Changes – A Design for Six Sigma Case Study
Chapter 15: The Future and Challenge of Design for Six Sigma

We hope you enjoy the book!