Application of Traditional and Fuzzy Quality Function Deployment in the Product Development Process

Abstract

It is the nature of problems in quality management to contain elements of uncertainty. The uncertainty of input data is the result of a subjective approach to the interpretation of imprecise information. The aim of this article is to present the application of an effective fuzzification instrument in dealing with different kinds of uncertainty and also the application of natural language to model decision making in quality management. The article shows how the integration of fuzzy logic can assist with the planning of a particular product. First, the traditional Quality Function Deployment (QFD) method was used for the purpose of achieving quality improvement in a boiler (house electric water heater). Second, the QFD method combined with fuzzy logic was used for the same purpose. The preferred quality characteristics were defined using both traditional and fuzzy QFD methods, and results obtained were compared and discussed. The implications of the research for practice and future research are outlined.