DOE: Robust Design

Abstract

In Chapter 4, it is claimed that perhaps the majority of quality problems are caused by variation in quality characteristics. The evidence is that typically only a small fraction of units fail to conform to specifications. If characteristic values were consistent, then either 100% of units would conform or 0%. Robust design methods seek to reduce the effects of input variation on a system’s outputs to improve quality. Therefore, they are relevant when one is interested in designing a system that gives consistent outputs despite the variation of uncontrollable factors.