A desirability function method for optimizing mean and variability of multiple responses using a posterior preference articulation approach

A desirability function approach has been widely used in multi-response optimization due to its simplicity. Most of the existing desirability function-based methods assume that the variability of the response variables is stable; thus, they focus mainly on the optimization of the mean of multiple responses. However, this stable variability assumption often does not apply in practical situations; thus, the quality of the product or process can be severely degraded due to the high variability of multiple responses. In this regard, we propose a new desirability function method to simultaneously optimize both the mean and variability of multiple responses. In particular, the proposed method uses a posterior preference articulation approach, which has an advantage in investigating tradeoffs between the mean and variability of multiple responses. It is expected that process engineers can use this method to better understand the tradeoffs, thereby obtaining a satisfactory compromise solution.