Developing a measurement matrix for lean product design

Abstract

Today, many companies are familiar with the concepts of lean enterprise management and have applied the lean philosophy to their product design process. To study the impact of such practices, measurements need to be developed to evaluate the leanness of a company's product design. Overwhelming amount of literature on lean management and its application to new product development exist. However, most of them focus on the overall strategies and no consensus definition of lean product design exists, not to mention a measurement matrix for lean product design practices. In this thesis, a lean product design measurement matrix is developed based on a comprehensive review of literature in lean product designs. Factors that can be used to assess a company's lean product design practices are identified. The lean product design matrix developed in this study will help companies to measure and evaluate their lean product design process and therefore, focus on key elements needing improvement. It will also facilitate researches that study the impact of lean product design practices on a company's performance overall and in specific areas.