What Is Six Sigma in Terms of Product Design?

Six Sigma is a process improvement methodology developed by Motorola in the late 1980s. It is used to improve the quality of products and services by reducing defects and variability. The goal of Six Sigma is to create a process that meets the customer’s specifications and provides consistent results.

In terms of product design, Six Sigma is used to identify areas of improvement in the existing design process. By measuring the current process, it can be determined where improvements can be made to reduce defects and eliminate variability. This involves analyzing the process for areas of inconsistency and then making adjustments to improve it or create a new design that meets customer requirements.

Six Sigma uses statistical tools such as Design of Experiments (DOE) to measure variation in parameters such as materials, processes, design elements, etc. This information can then be used to determine which changes need to be made in order to improve product quality and reduce costs. Six Sigma also emphasizes process control in order to ensure that products are manufactured consistently with minimal variation from batch-to-batch or product-to-product.

In addition, Six Sigma includes techniques such as Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) which helps identify potential problems before they occur in production. This allows designers to anticipate any potential issues before they become a reality and take corrective action if necessary.

Conclusion

Six Sigma is an invaluable tool for product designers looking to improve quality, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction with their products. By utilizing statistical tools such as DOE and FMEA, designers can identify areas for improvement in their existing designs or create new designs that meet customer requirements more effectively.