# #382: Design of Experiments - How and When to Use DOE

- Show: [Global Medical Device Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/global-medical-device-podcast)
- Published: 2024-09-12
- Length: 42m
- Episode: 382
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/global-medical-device-podcast/2024-09-12-382-design-of-experiments-how-and-when-to-use-doe
- Listen: https://podcast.greenlight.guru/episode/382-design-of-experiments-how-and-when-to-use-doe

## Summary

Perry Parendo, founder of Perry Solutions, explains how Design of Experiments (DOE) serves as a strategic tool for understanding systems and reducing risk in medical device R&D and manufacturing. He details the practical application of DOE, emphasizing the use of fractional factorial designs to manage 3-7 variables effectively, and warns against common pitfalls like using pass/fail metrics or relying solely on software tutorials without practical training. Parendo advocates for a phased approach—starting with small 'play' experiments, moving to structured DOE, and ending with verification tests—to ensure robust process stability and product performance before validation.

## Outline

1. Introduction: Perry Parendo and Perry Solutions
2. Defining DOE: A tool for understanding, not just a test plan
3. Applying DOE to R&D and manufacturing problems
4. Managing variables: The 3-7 input rule and effective sample size
5. Phased DOE strategy: From play to verification
6. Practical pitfalls: Measurement systems and surrogate metrics
7. Training and implementation: Avoiding the 'math elegance' trap

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Quality & yield](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/quality-and-yield)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies, companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Greenlight Guru (company)
- Rook Quality System (company)
- Perry Solutions (company)
- General Motors Research Labs (company)
- Minitab (tool)
- DOE (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [064 - Pharma and Medical Device Development Processes, DFSS and Design Reviews with Skip Creveling](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2022-12-21-064-pharma-and-medical-device-development-processes-dfss-and-design-reviews-with) (Let's Combinate)
- [184 - Program Management in Pharma & Devices: Phase Gates, Risk Planning, and Project FMEAs Explained](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2025-04-16-184-program-management-in-pharma-devices-phase-gates-risk-planning-and-project-f) (Let's Combinate)
- [S2 E6: Complex System Development with Kristine Barnes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-builder-circle/2024-02-06-s2-e6-complex-system-development-with-kristine-barnes) (The Builder Circle)
- [202 - Becoming an Expert in the Work Nobody Wants to Do/Design, Risk, and the Messy Middle of Combination Products w/Joey Frechin](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2025-08-20-202-becoming-an-expert-in-the-work-nobody-wants-to-do-design-risk-and-the-messy) (Let's Combinate)
- [S2 E35 Design of Experiments, Real World Experience, & Human Interaction | Angel Martinez](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-08-13-s2-e35-design-of-experiments-real-world-experience-human-interaction-angel-marti) (Being an Engineer)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/global-medical-device-podcast/2024-09-12-382-design-of-experiments-how-and-when-to-use-doe. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Global Medical Device Podcast.