Design of Experiments (DOE)

Basic Topics in Design of Experiments

Step I - Statement of the problem
Step II - Objective of the experiment
Step III - Set time frame of experiment
Step IV - Select response to be measured
Step V - Select the factors or inputs to be evaluated
Step VI - Determine the number of resources for experimentation
Step VII - Determine which experimental designs or strategies are appropriate
Step VIII - Select the best design type and analysis strategy to suit your needs
Step IX - Randomization of the runs in the design matrix
Step X - Conducting the experiment and recording the data
Step XI - Analyze the data, draw conclusions, make predictions and do confirmatory tests
Step XII - Assess results, make decisions and conduct more experimentation if necessary

The ability to adequately perform each of these twelve steps is critical to the success of experiments. In particular, young engineers and scientists probably need to learn more about topics like Taguchi methods, factorial design, ANOVA, linear regression and robust design. For more information on experimental design, the following books are recommended: