Definition
The demand of clients is translated into a systematic approach required by firms involved in research and development, manufacturing and marketing, using the customer voice throughout the process.
In detail
Quality Function Deployment (QFD) is a systematic method that translates customer requirements into specific product design and production requirements. Using tools like the House of Quality, it ensures the Voice of the Customer is integrated throughout the development process. QFD addresses the issue of requirement transmission distortion, enabling all departments to understand and meet customer expectations. Compared to VOC, QFD focuses more on requirement translation and prioritization. Its outputs include design specifications, control plans, etc., used to guide product development.
Example in practice
When an automotive manufacturer develops a new vehicle model, QFD is used to translate customer safety requirements into design parameters. For example, the customer requirement 'responsive braking' is translated into 'braking distance less than 40 meters.' Through the House of Quality, the team evaluates the importance of each design characteristic and identifies key control points. QFD ensures the final product meets customer needs, reduces design changes, and improves customer satisfaction.