Designed quality
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By the designed quality (also known as: quality of design, design for quality, quality of type) we understand the extent to which quality standard described in the product design meets the expectations of users (consumers). The quality of the product generally consists of:
- designed quality and
- quality of conformance (quality of production).
There is a relation between designed quality, technical level and quality costs:
- The higher the designed quality, at the technical level, the quality costs are higher, due to the increase in the cost of good quality.
- Technological advances can, however, cause a reduction in production costs and the improvement of the designed quality will be accompanied by quality cost reduction.
Improvement of technology must be accompanied by economic calculation. We must remember that quality is a relative concept, depending not only on the characteristics of the product, but also the needs and financial possibilities of the recipient. Therefore, also the relationship as well as price elasticity of demand with respect to quality, must be assessed in a way or estimated separately for each group of recipients.
To achieve high quality of design, enterprise should use appropriate methods, like Failure Mode and Effects Analysis or Quality Function Deployment. In case of services, designed quality can be improved using SERVQUAL method.
Rules of design for quality
D.M. Anderson in his book proposed rules of design for quality:
- Observe quality and reliability design guidelines.
- Raise and resolve issues early.
- Use Multi-functional teamwork.
- Utilize Quality Function Deployment.
- Do thorough up-front work.
- Simplify the design.
- Minimize the exponential cumulative effect of part quality and quantity.
- Select the highest quality processing.
- Optimize tolerances (Taguchi method → Quality loss function).
- Utilize Poka yoke, prevent mistakes by design.
- Proactively minimizing all types of risk.
- Base metrics and compensation on Total Cost and Time to Stable Production.
- Reusing proven designs.
- Document thoroughly and completely.
- Thoroughly design the product right the first time.
Designed quality according to W. Edwards Deming
William Edwards Deming recommended the focus of the company on a long-term planning. He considered that its absence creates a major obstacle to the development of the organization in a competitive market. Long-term planning should include within its scope primarily:
- attractive new products and services,
- new materials for the production of those products,
- new production technologies,
- new professions and qualifications structure of the crew in conjunction with its recruitment,
- costs of production, market organization and user support,
- modernization of products and services in conjunction with the system of incentives and improving training,
- allocations of funds for the operation and development of fixed assets.
The starting point of long-term planning is to determine the level of designed quality, new products and services attractive on future market. This is the source of success.
New concepts improvement of designed quality
New concepts improve the designed quality arise from three sources:
- marketing research that should provide information on the desirable traits of individual products and their intensity in different markets, allowing them to redesign in order to improve their level of quality,
- inventions and improvements in process technology and product being the result of basic scientific discoveries that create the possibility of re-manufactured products, or design a new product in search of better meet the needs of a competitive market,
- announcement and introduction of new critical requirements (marginal) product posed by law (e.g. the directive called. 'New Approach', European standards, etc.) compels the producer to seek new solutions in the field of production technology, products and their use.
Advantages of Designed quality
The designed quality of a product is extremely important in ensuring customer satisfaction and satisfaction with the product. It encompasses the product's ability to meet the desired quality standards, as well as the product's overall aesthetic appeal. The advantages of designed quality include:
- Increased customer satisfaction: A product designed with high quality standards ensures that customers are happy with the product they receive and receive something that meets or exceeds their expectations.
- Increased trust in the product: High-quality design also builds trust in the product, as customers will be confident that the product will perform as expected.
- Increased marketability: Quality design makes a product attractive to potential customers, making it easier for businesses to market their product.
- Improved product longevity: Quality design can greatly increase the lifespan of a product, as well-designed products are often more reliable and durable.
Limitations of Designed quality
The designed quality of a product has several limitations, including:
- Durability: Designers must consider the life expectancy and durability of the product when designing for quality. This includes factoring in potential wear and tear, as well as the environmental conditions in which the product is to be used.
- Cost: Designers must be aware of the costs associated with producing a product of a certain quality. This includes material costs, labor costs, and any additional costs associated with meeting certain quality standards.
- Human Factors: Designers must take into account the physical capabilities of the user when designing a product. This includes factors such as size, strength, and dexterity that may affect how a user interacts with and uses the product.
- Testing: Designers must ensure that the product undergoes rigorous testing to ensure that it meets the desired quality standards. This includes tests for safety, performance, and reliability.
- Manufacturing Process: Designers must be aware of the manufacturing process and its impact on the final product. This includes factors such as process control and product consistency.
Design for quality includes a variety of approaches that aim to ensure that products are of a certain quality standard. These approaches include:
- Quality Assurance: Quality Assurance is a systematic process of verifying that a product meets the requirements and specifications of the customer. This is done throughout the design and production process to ensure that the final product meets the required quality standards.
- Quality Control: Quality Control is the process of inspecting and testing products to make sure that they meet the required quality standards. This is done after the product has been designed and before it is put into production.
- Quality Improvement: Quality Improvement is the process of continuously monitoring and improving the quality of products. This includes developing processes and systems that ensure consistent quality throughout the production process.
- Design for Reliability (DFR): Design for Reliability is a systematic approach to designing products that are reliable and durable. This includes using robust materials, testing and validating designs, and ensuring that the product meets the required quality standards.
In summary, designed quality is achieved through a variety of approaches that focus on ensuring that products meet the required quality standards. Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Quality Improvement, and Design for Reliability are some of the most common approaches.
References
- D.M. Anderson, Design for Manufacturability: How to Use Concurrent Engineering to Rapidly Develop Low-Cost, High-Quality Products for Lean Production 2014
- Bansiya J, Davis CG (2002) A hierarchical model for object-oriented design quality assessment, Software Engineering, IEEE Transactions on, 28:1
- Gann D, Saiter A, Whyte J (2003) Design Quality Indicator as a tool for thinking, Building Research & Information, Volume 31, Issue 5
- Latzko W.J., Sanders D.M., Four days with dr. Deming, 1998
