Want to enhance customer-oriented product development? This article explores how techniques like fuzzy logic, artificial neural networks, and the Taguchi method can improve Quality Function Deployment (QFD), a management tool for translating customer needs into technical requirements. The article outlines how to combine QFD with techniques such as fuzzy logic, artificial neural networks, and the Taguchi method to resolve some of its drawbacks, and proposes a synergy between QFD and the three methods and techniques reviewed. These can be used to improve on existing methods. While the structure provided by QFD can be significantly beneficial, it is not a simple tool to use. Ultimately, this article advocates for a combined approach to develop more customer-oriented, higher-quality products. By outlining a synergy between QFD and methods, this research helps build an improved process.
This article on methods to improve quality function deployment is an international focus and will interest an international audience. The article follows the overall goal of the journal to provide useful information to aid industry leaders.