DMADV

DMADV, short for Define-Measure-Analyze-Design-Verify, is a data-driven methodology used in Six Sigma to develop new processes or products that meet customer requirements and business goals. It is typically employed when no existing process can achieve the desired performance, or when a major redesign is needed. DMADV emphasizes quality and reliability from the outset, and is distinct from DMAIC, which focuses on improving existing processes.

The Define phase sets the project scope, identifies customers and their requirements, and translates these into measurable goals and critical-to-quality (CTQ) attributes. The Measure phase establishes the measurement system and collects data to quantify CTQs and design targets, ensuring a solid understanding of what constitutes acceptable performance. The Analyze phase evaluates design options and risks, using tools such as decision analysis, design of experiments, and risk assessment to select the most viable concepts. The Design phase develops detailed specifications, product and process designs, tolerances, and acceptance criteria, often incorporating manufacturability and robustness considerations. The Verify phase validates the design through simulations, prototypes, pilot runs, and testing to confirm that the design can meet CTQs in real conditions and that production readiness and process capability are achievable.

Outcomes of a DMADV project typically include a fully defined and validated design, robust specifications, and a plan for scalable production. DMADV is commonly applied in new product development, major process overhauls, or regulated environments where achieving design quality from the start is critical. History roots trace to Six Sigma practices at Motorola in the 1990s, where DMADV was formalized as a design-quality framework alongside DMAIC.