Central Composite Designs

Central Composite Designs

Central composite designs are statistical techniques that are used to enhance product development. With this approach, you can explore and assess different conditions under which to develop your product, and then choose the one that is likely to maximize success. The statistics are easy to use and invaluable during the planning process, so it is well worth it to try and learn them at the outset.

The key to success with any new product is careful planning. You must think ahead and try to anticipate unforeseen difficulties before they manifest as significant problems. You must also consider mild alterations in the product design itself that may make a substantial difference in quality or efficiency.

Although some of this can be achieved via careful timelines and record keeping, a more reliable approach is to use statistical techniques to do the work for you. Central composite designs are one such approach, and are similar to DOE techniques in that they are statistical experiments that examine a product under different conditions. They can be used to provide quick feedback regarding product development.

Best of all, central composite designs rely on statistics that are fairly easy to use. Although the underlying principals are somewhat complex, most modern stats packages are of the point and click variety and are very userfriendly. Further, they come equipped with very extensive help menus that make it easy to learn new techniques. You are best advised to consult with an expert for some general assistance with the interpretation of results; however, you can work toward developing a skillbase you can use on your own.