In the product design world, it’s common to use a tool called a Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to improve a design or process. FMEAs are commonly separated into two different categories, depending on their application:

A Design FMEA (D-FMEA) is used in product design to identify possible design weaknesses and failure modes. A Process FMEA (P-FMEA) is used to identify possible failures in the process that the item must go through to be completed, such as a machining operation, or transportation from one operation to the next.

This simple template will help you conduct a Design FMEA as a great starting place to learn how to apply the practice in your design workflow.