An InterAct-backed academic at the Open University has developed a groundbreaking digital tool that could dramatically transform product development and testing.
The VVT Prioritisation Tool, created by Khadija Tahera (pictured above), is a free, interactive online platform that helps engineers align verification, validation and testing (VVT) strategies with customer requirements, regulatory standards and business objectives. It offers a smarter way to plan and prioritise product testing, potentially saving time and reducing development costs.
Advertisement
The tool was developed with the support of InterAct, the Made Smarter Innovation programme that brings together economic and social scientists, UK manufacturers, policymakers and digital technology providers to address the human issues resulting from the diffusion of new technologies in industry.
Traditional VVT methods often focus too narrowly on technical risks, primarily reflecting the perspective of engineers. However, Tahera’s research highlights the importance of integrating the voices of the customer, regulator and business to ensure comprehensive, effective testing strategies.
Advertisement
Her research led to the development of an innovative tool that brings together previously siloed testing methodologies – quality function deployment, failure modes and effects analysis, and design verification and validation plans – in a unified, user-friendly platform. It guides engineers through a seven-step process that helps prioritise tests, make data-driven decisions and plan necessary tests, offering a dynamic solution to effective testing in product development. Users can also simulate changes and visualise how shifting priorities impact outcomes.
‘Testing can account for up to 75 per cent of a product’s development budget,’ Tahera said. ‘This tool simplifies a complex process into a clear, repeatable approach. It encourages teams to challenge assumptions and work collaboratively to improve quality, reduce cost and ensure compliance. Though still in prototype, the tool is powerful and scalable, and promotes smarter, faster decision-making. I believe manufacturers of all sizes can benefit from exploring its potential.’
Advertisement
The tool is already attracting interest from engineering solution providers and manufacturing companies.
InterAct was a £4.4million Made Smarter Innovation-funded, Economic and Social Research Council-led network that brought together economic and social scientists, UK manufacturers, policymakers and digital technology providers to address the human issues resulting from the diffusion of new technologies in industry.
With involvement in more than 70 events, both in-person and online, welcoming more than 2,000 stakeholders to engage and connect, InterAct has placed building the network at the heart of their activities. With more than 750 network members, the community has proven to be a dynamic bridge between industry, policy and academia.
Advertisement
InterAct funded more than 30 projects spanning topics from digital change management to sustainable steel manufacturing and public perceptions of manufacturing, bringing together more than 100 researchers from more than 40 institutions.
InterAct also collated insights for UK manufacturing from the global manufacturing environment, leading research missions to engage with more than 150 manufacturing and digital technology leaders in Singapore, Malaysia, India, Australia and Sri Lanka.
Advertisement
‘We are immensely impressed with Dr Tahera’s pioneering research, which offers a transformative approach to the VVT process,’ said Professor Jillian MacBryde of the University of Strathclyde, co-director of InterAct. ‘It has the potential to reshape how manufacturing industries approach product development, ensuring that products meet the highest standards of quality and safety but also driving down costs by addressing risks more efficiently.’
The tool is available here.