CTQ Tree

A CTQ Tree is a Tool that helps professionals Design and Improve Products by analyzing what Customers value the most.

• Its name is an acronym for “Critical To Quality”.

 

To do this, it proposes 3 Steps:

1. Identify the Critical Needs.
2. Find Quality Drivers.
3. Establish the Performance Requirements.

1. Needs: What is Essential for a product to have, to Satisfy the Customer.

• What Clients look for, when they Purchase a Product.

 

2. Drivers: The Factors that help Guarantee those Essential Needs.

• A Need is Guaranteed through different Drivers.

 

3. Requirements: The Specifications that those Drivers must meet.

• A Driver is Guaranteed through Defined and Measurable Requirements.

 

These Three Steps go from more Abstract (Needs) to more Defined and Measurable (Requirements).

 

Before sharing some examples, we want to give you some Tips on How to use CTQ Trees in an efficient way:

Take Time to study your Clients and identify their Needs.

• Although there are various Drivers and Requirements, Needs are Unique.

 

Look for Drivers that you can Control. Drivers that depend on you.

• Don’t rely on external uncontrollable factors.

 

Use Defined and Measurable Requirements.

• Be specific so that you can track progress.

The best way to understand CTQ Trees and how you can use them is by sharing some examples with you:

We have chosen 3 different examples in which CTQ Trees can be of great help.

 

As you can guess, CTQ Trees can be very extensive (with dozens of Drivers, Requirements, etc).

 

Here, we’ve tried to synthesize different Needs in a single one.

This way, we’ll be able to explain more examples.

• And analyze different perspectives.

 

Let’s begin:

Let’s imagine that you own a Restaurant specialized in Burgers.

 

After studying what Clients value the most in a hamburger, you conclude that:

• What people value most is the Meat.

Neither the special sauces, nor the vegetables or sides… the Meat.

 

With this information in hand, you decide to create a CTQ Tree:

• To create the best Burger for your Clients.

Now, let’s imagine that you are decided to create a new Electric Vehicle.

• We know it is not that simple.

 

After studying what Clients value the most in an Electric Vehicle you conclude that:

• What people value most is a Long-lasting Battery.

Neither the Design, nor the Dashboard… A Good battery.

 

With this information, you decide to create a CTQ Tree:

 

Finally, let’s imagine that you own a Hotel.

• And, you want to offer the best experience to your Clients.

 

After studying what your Clients value the most in a Hotel, you conclude that:

• What they value most is a Comforting experience.

Neither the Price, nor the Location … The Comfort.

 

Then, you decide to develop a CTQ Tree:

• To maximize the Comfort of your Clients.

A CTQ Tree is a Tool that helps professionals Design and Improve Products by analyzing what Customers value the most.

 

To do this, it proposes 3 Steps:

1. Identify the Needs: What is Essential for a product to have, to Satisfy the Customer.
2. Find Quality Drivers: The Factors that help Guarantee those Essential Needs.
3. Establish the Requirements: The Specifications that those Drivers must meet.

 

Tips on How to use CTQ Trees efficiently:

• Take Time to study your Clients and identify their Needs.
• Look for Drivers that you can Control. Drivers that depend on you.
• Use Defined and Measurable Requirements.