Leveraging Iterative Design of Experiments to Innovate in a High-Risk Production Environment: A US Army Aviation Case Study

Abstract

This paper invokes the utility of design of experiments (DOE) as a means for achieving innovation in a high-risk production environment. DOE enables objective scrutiny of causal relationships between the inputs and outputs of a system. This scrutiny empowers researchers and decision makers to better understand, not only the behavior of the system, but also the potential trade-space that could be exploited for innovation. A high-risk production operation, characterized by high cost and high value products, encourages process stability and deters innovation. Operators maintain the working status-quo unless positive outcomes can be realized with a high degree of certainty. Iterative DOE provides the capability to develop that desired certainty, while mitigating the requirements of a high-risk production pipeline. The U.S. Army Aviation training pipeline provides a unique lens through which we can observe the prescribed utilization of DOE as a means to innovative ends.