Design for Trustworthy Software: Tools, Techniques, and Methodology of Developing Robust Software

Hinckley has proposed the following six-step methodology, quality by control of mistakes (QCM), for an efficient approach to identify a poka yoke measure for problem-solving:^[26]

In this chapter we have presented two powerful approaches to deliver defect free software as part of a DFTS deployment: controlling complexity and mistake-proofing (poka yoke). We have argued that mistakes are a major source of defects that requires even more attention than Statistical Quality Control (SQC). This is especially so in a software development context.

We have shown that complexity reduction and mistake-proofing are linked and how controlling complexity is a smart way to eliminate the causes of potential mistakes substantially before poka yoke is deployed. We have identified a practical measure of complexity and provided a framework for controlling product and process complexity in a software context. Finally, we have introduced poka yoke system as a cost-effective quality control system to reduce defects further as part of a DFTS deployment.