This article describes how design can unfavorably affect product quality. It provides information on the total quality management philosophy, emphasizing the principles of quality management. The article discusses various methods for evaluating a product design for quality. It presents design guidelines that are intended to provide products with a potential for higher levels of quality.

Value analysis (VA) is a team problem-solving process to improve the value of a product from the viewpoint of a user. This article presents a comparison between VA and total quality management in materials selection and design. It discusses the key attributes, concepts, and activities of the VA. The application of value engineering in U.S. government contracts and the construction industry is reviewed. The article describes the eight phases of the VA process: preparation, information, analysis, creation, synthesis, development, presentation and report, and implementation and follow-up. It presents case studies that illustrate the materials-related aspects of the VA process.