The implementation of Design for Six Sigma: A development experience

This paper provides a demonstration of how Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) is utilised to design and engineer a new product. At the centre of the DFSS approach is a five-step process called Define, Measure, Analyse, Design, and Verify (DMADV). We find that when a developer's experience helped and the problem (or the opportunity) is clearly identified in the 'define' stage, the rest of the DMADV proceeds in a sequential and rational manner. However, when a developer's experience did not help and the problem (or opportunity) is not clearly defined in the 'define' stage, the rest of the DMADV proceeds in a cyclical and reflective manner. Over time, as the DMADV approach is applied, the rate of progress dramatically decreases and the speed of product development becomes painfully slow. We provide additional insights for implementing the DFSS approach to develop new products, which is important for both practicing managers and academics. We also provide directions for future research.