Integrated product development methodology using dual mode QFD and functional hierarchy applied to a real case implementation

Technological developments are extremely fast paced in the modern world. However, application of new approaches in production of products has to be balanced against economic constraints. Consequently, with the development of new technologies and while striving for effective, efficient and low cost products, new and complex product development methodologies have evolved to develop a concept. Getting to know customer needs and their priorities to establish a new concept is critical in the development process. The research outlined herein utilises the established methodologies of the Kano, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and Quality Function Deployment (QFD) techniques to identify top-level core user requirements and the technologies that can lead to effective and competitive product development. Application of the above tools has allowed the development of an “Integrated Dual Mode QFD” analysis that offers a more holistic coverage of the customer needs spectrum compared with the traditional QFD, this is done by associating the priorities and competitiveness of individual needs through both of AHP and Kano methods. This approach avoids inconsistencies in customer needs and priorities. Systems specifications obtained from the QFD analysis were used to undertake development of a functional model. This activity links the ‘Whys’ with ‘Hows’ that lead to the development of a system architectural model. Using the above tools, a modular architecture concept has been developed for a Militarised All-Terrain Vehicle (MATV). The architecture offers future variants with improved performance in terms of power, agility, dash speed, reduced weight, mobility based survivability and network-centric communication for better situational awareness. Overall this methodology allows a comprehensive systematic approach to concept development resulting in shorter system design and development time, while ensuring all aspects of customer voices have been taken into account to avoid costly integration issues later in the validation and verification stage.