Design for Six Sigma

Design for Six Sigma, or DFSS, gives professionals a structured approach to designing new products, processes and services with quality in mind from the beginning. Rather than focusing only on improvement after a process is already in place, DFSS helps teams identify potential weaknesses earlier in the design and development process, reducing the likelihood of defects, delays and rework after launch.

In this six-week course, students will explore how Six Sigma principles apply to design work and learn how DFSS methodologies such as DMADV and IDDOV can support more reliable, customer-centered outcomes. Coursework introduces key concepts including the Voice of the Customer, balanced scorecards, statistical analysis, reliability, design of experiments and the phases used to identify, design, optimize and validate new solutions.

The course also connects DFSS to practical project leadership. Students will examine project scope, scheduling, project management tools, Agile methods, project closeout and strategies for sustaining gains after implementation. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to apply DFSS tools, support and mentor others in the methodology and lead design-focused improvement projects with greater structure, clarity and confidence.