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This paper describes the development of a design method and process for quality variation control. Conventional approaches utilizing Taguchi method [6,7,8] can quantify the sensitivities of parts characteristics on a system characteristic from both viewpoints of nominal value and variation. But the interpretation of the sensitivities depends on engineers' judgments. At the new process, function deployment has been introduced as the tool for breaking down hierarchically vehicle performance to the level of parts characteristics. And the relation between vehicle performance and parts characteristics is formulated based on a physical model in order to interpret the sensitivities more technically. The methodology combining the formulated function deployment and Taguchi method is referred to as design response analysis and variation effect analysis. These approaches can facilitate the interpretation of the quantified sensitivities considering the mechanism.

We have constructed a design review system in which Full Process and Quick Design Review processes are selectively used according to the degree of newness in a design change. The Full Process Design Review is conducted for a review of system or part designs having a high level of newness and the tools and process used in this review were standardized. The Quick Design Review is newly developed design review process that could be conducted in a quicker and simpler manner for designs involving a medium level of newness in order to effectively prevent design-related problems. The Quick Design Review uses a changes list and Design Review Based on Failure Mode (DRBFM) [1] worksheets to focus on the changed points. This method enables the engineers involved to identify problems and to devise solutions efficiently and effectively through discussions.