What does Quality Function Deployment integrate into product development?

Quality Function Deployment (QFD) is a structured methodology used to ensure that the voice of the customer is clearly reflected in the product development process. It emphasizes understanding customer needs, preferences, and expectations, and then incorporates those insights into the design and engineering of products. By actively engaging with the customer’s perspective, QFD allows teams to transform abstract user requirements into specific product features and specifications, ensuring that the final product aligns closely with what customers actually want.

This process involves various tools and frameworks, such as the House of Quality, which visually maps out the relationship between customer desires and technical requirements. By integrating the voice of the customer into product development, companies can reduce the risk of product failure, enhance customer satisfaction, and ultimately drive better business outcomes.