Integration of TRIZ into quality function deployment

Purpose: The objective of successful companies is the integration of customer requirements in the development process of a new product. Therefore, the Quality Function Deployment method has proven useful several times. The customer requirements often contain contradictions, which are mostly solved by compromises. The aim should be to integrate all customers’ demands and wishes into future products. Methodology: The theory of inventive problem solving can be applied to eliminate compromises in the product development. The method’s different tools enable a goal-oriented and systematic conflict resolution and may help to uncover trends. This paper displays an approach where individual tools of TRIZ are integrated into the Quality Function Deployment. Results: The result of this work is the presentation of the resulting benefits from combining the two methods. For this reason, individual tools of TRIZ are used in different points of the QFD process. The paper shows examples of starting points. Value of paper: In the context of this paper, the benefits from the interaction of QFD and TRIZ are presented. These are particularly evident in the initial phase of project implementation. In this phase the goal of the QFD process is to succeed in translating the voice of the customer for the company and then integrating it into the product development.