Method for quality function deployment

The invention relates generally to quality function deployment (QFD) and in particular to a method of quality function deployment which preserves the system architecture. A system can be represented as an assemblage of elements working in tandem and forming a unitary object that performs one or more tasks. Typically, components of a system cannot meet the objectives assigned to the whole system. Therefore, a system may be described by its elements, their merits, and the relationships that tie them together. In addition, a component of a system can itself be a system. For example, an engine is a component of another system, an airplane, which in turn can be a part of a bigger system, air transportation, and so on. A tree structure of system, sub-systems, components, parts, etc. can be utilized to represent a system. shows an exemplary architecture of a projector system which includes sub-system and component levels. An exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for performing quality function deployment for a system having a plurality of levels. The method includes obtaining a plurality of first level critical to quality parameters and obtaining a plurality of first level key control parameters. A first level quality matrix is generated identifying an effect at least one first level key control parameter has on at least one first level critical to quality parameter. The first level key control parameters are arranged into a first group and a second group. A second level quality matrix is generated for the first group. The second level quality matrix includes second level critical to quality parameters corresponding to the first group of first level key control parameters and a second level key control parameter. The second level quality matrix identifies an effect said second level key control parameter has on at least one second level critical to quality parameter.