Merging two QFD models into one: an approach of application

This paper presents an approach to the application of Quality Function Deployment that brings together the models developed by Don Clausing (Enhanced QFD) and Akao. In this way, the proposed approach benefits from focusing, at the same time, at: parameter extraction, systematizing the decision taking process within its matrices (Enhanced QFD); and the identification of relationships among different parameters of the product development process (QFD by Akao). The steps involved in the proposed approach are depicted and justified. Finally, a discussion is made on the effect of QFD on development cycle time and the benefits of the proposed approach.