How do you apply quality management principles and methodologies to new product development and innovation?

2 Design for quality and reliability

The next step is to design your new product or service with quality and reliability in mind. You can use methods such as failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) or fault tree analysis (FTA) to identify and prevent potential failures and risks. You can also use tools such as design of experiments (DOE) or Taguchi methods to optimize your design parameters and reduce variation. You should also consider the environmental and social impacts of your design, and follow the principles of design for sustainability, circularity, and inclusivity.

3 Test and validate your prototype

The third step is to test and validate your prototype before launching it to the market. You can use methods such as prototyping, simulation, or beta testing to evaluate your product or service performance, functionality, usability, and safety. You can also use tools such as statistical process control (SPC) or control charts to monitor and control your testing process and ensure its quality and consistency. You should also collect and analyze data from your testing activities, and use tools such as Pareto charts or fishbone diagrams to identify and solve any problems or defects.

4 Implement and improve your innovation

The final step is to implement and improve your innovation after launching it to the market. You can use methods such as plan-do-check-act (PDCA) cycle or agile methodology to manage your innovation process and adapt to changing customer needs and expectations. You can also use tools such as benchmarking or balanced scorecard to measure and compare your innovation performance and outcomes with your competitors and industry standards. You should also encourage and reward continuous improvement and learning, and foster a culture of quality and innovation within your organization.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?