A Conceptual Framework for the use of Quality Concepts and Statistical Methods in Product Design

SUMMARY

Quality control based on inspection and segregation of defective parts is uneconomical and inefficient. To be effective, quality needs to be planned at the product design stage. In this article we develop a conceptual model for the product design process that incorporates quality improvement concepts at the design stage and bring into a broader context the role of statistical problem-solving, trouble-shooting and experimental design. The conceptual model for the design process is based on the idea of cyclic incremental improvement.