Applying Design for Six Sigma to Software and Hardware Systems

8. Concept Generation and Selection

Position within DFSS Flow

Concept generation involves a different frame of mind than most other steps involved in product development, including concept selection. Whereas most other steps involve engineering rigor and judgment, the concept generation step eschews judgment, which can impede the flow of ideas. Nonetheless, the goal of this step—to generate and subsequently select a superior concept for the product, its subsystems, or its modules and components—has repercussions throughout the rest of the new product development process, and may ultimately become the primary factor leading to the product’s success or failure. Figure 8.1 highlights the position of the concept generation and selection steps, ...