Enhancing cassava grater design: A customer-driven approach using AHP, QFD, and TRIZ integration

Due to consistent cassava cultivation, small-scale processing centers rely heavily on the cassava grater. However, these machines face stagnation in innovation and design evolution, leading to inefficiencies, limited capacity, and inconsistent output. Adding to these challenges is the competitive global market, demanding a focus on design enhancements. This study employs a multi-faceted approach involving the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Quality Function Deployment (QFD) and Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) to prioritize customer requirements, propose technically aligned solutions, and offer innovative design options for cassava graters. A total of 10 customer requirements (CR), 21 technical solutions (TS), and 63 innovative design options (IDO) were established and prioritized, aiming for easy adoption by fabricators, engineers, manufacturers, and artisans. Implementing these insights boosts cassava grater efficiency and productivity and significantly advances knowledge. This work presents a thorough scientific framework for product design, empowering local manufacturers to remain viable and relevant in the rapidly changing field of product enhancement.