In the sort of “stereotypical” case, QFD can help us understand the priority of specific product characteristics as driven by prioritized customer needs. See http://www.is-sixsigma.com/index.shtml?ID=36 for an example, click on “ATV Measure” on the left.
Later on, we can use QFD to ensure coverage of those product characteristics by our design elements, and if we so desire, we can continue that process downward to whatever level of detail we want. I don’t have any good software examples of this, but automotive examples abound.
QFD can also be used in gap analysis, to help us understand where the product, or our develpment process, may be falling short.
One issue with QFD is that it can take an enormous amount of time, and can sometimes reap very few benefits. It is easy for a Black Belt to get enamoured of the pretty charts and loose sight of the objective. Unfortunately, the only cure I know of for this is experience. QFD can also yeild great rewards, so it isn’t a tool you really want to ignore.
I would caution you to pay attention to the time you spend and have a clear vision of the outcome you expect.
–McD
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