When I first started learning about lean Six Sigma and familiarizing myself with all the different terminology and methodologies, I was a little overwhelmed and confused by all the abbreviations: FMEA, C&E matrix, Gage R&R, SIPOC... the list seemed endless. However, I really got tripped up by the abbreviations beginning with “D”: DMAIC, DMADV, and DFSS.

These abbreviations stand for project methodologies that are commonly used with lean and Six Sigma, which help quality improvement practitioners keep their projects focused with an established route to follow for completion.

Define, measure, analyze, design, verify (DMADV) and design for Six Sigma (DFSS) are synonymous in that they are about designing new processes. Define, measure. analyze, improve, control (DMAIC) is well-known and the most used system for improving existing processes in a continuous effort to reduce defects.

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