IDOV methodology (identify, design, optimize, verify)

The IDOV methodology (identify, design, optimize, verify) is a component of the Six Sigma management system intended to guide processes involved in creating a new product, service or business process and ensure quality control.

IDOV breaks the development process into four phases:

Identify
This phase is about articulating customer needs. The customer's main communication point and desire is identified. Teams and team charters are developed. Roles are designated for team members. milestones and benchmarks are planned.

Design
This phase defines the functional requirements of the process or product, as well as alternate processes that may be required. Concept designs are created, simulations are run and risks assessed. The plans for procurement and manufacturing are made.

Optimize
In this phase, tolerances are assessed, performance is predicted and alternate designs and design elements are tested.

Validate
In this phase, performance is compared to predictions based on previous simulations. Prototypes are tested, assessed and validated. Changes to business processes can be made here.

Two other Six Sigma systems used for new processes are DMADV (define, measure, analyze, design, verify) and DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve, control). In contrast to those methodologies, however, IDOV is focused on meeting the financial goals of the organization in question.

Six Sigma methodologies were originally developed by Motorola and used for quality control in manufacturing. The methodologies are now used in many disciplines including project management, education and agile software development.