Frequently Asked Question

Prevention-oriented design

Design for Six Sigma is a structured approach for creating a new product or process so that customer requirements and variation are addressed before release. A DMADV-style roadmap defines the problem and customer, measures requirements and baseline knowledge, analyzes concepts and risks, designs the product and process, and verifies performance. Equivalent roadmaps use different names but should retain the same evidence logic.

Worked example

For a thermal enclosure, define the user and duty cycle, measure allowable temperature and leakage, analyze wall and gasket concepts, design the selected architecture with tolerances and controls, and verify using production-intent units. A gate remains open when the evidence does not meet the CTQ, even if the schedule is at risk.

Engineering check

For DFSS: DMADV and IDOV Explained, maintain traceability from requirement to risk, design output, evidence, and approval. Record the configuration, acceptance criterion, test or analysis conditions, open actions, and residual risk. A method is not complete when the document is filled in; it is complete when the evidence supports the decision and affected controls are updated.

Traceability note

For DFSS: DMADV and IDOV Explained, maintain a visible link between the requirement, design or process characteristic, risk entry, planned evidence, measured result, and approval record. Identify the configuration and revision used, record deviations and open actions, and state who accepts residual risk. When evidence changes, update the affected requirement, risk analysis, verification or validation plan, and manufacturing control rather than editing only the summary status.