Applying combined AHP-QFD method in new product development: A case study in developing new sports earphone

Traditional QFD method does not prioritize the CRs. Applying AHP method in QFD can help represent and quantify the CRs, relate those elements to overall customer satisfaction goal and evaluate different design alternatives. The paper first discussed the concept of combined AHP-QFD approach in new product development, also used a new earphone development project as case study, and illustrated the steps in applying AHP method in determining the “Weights” of CRs. The paper showed how AHP method can be applied in a few other QFD elements. The implementation issues is discussed and AHP method is appropriate in developing new product.