As an example, let's consider the Classic Italian sports car — the Lamborghini.
While you can't deny that the Lamborghini is an elite and stylishly impressive car, don't confuse discriminating taste or personal preferences for what will satisfy the project needs or objectives. Perhaps it is too costly. Perhaps it is not practical. Perhaps it is overkill for what is needed, etc.
In most cases, the customer does not expect, and cannot afford, a perfect solution. And although the Lamborghini may be on the customer's wish list, it may not offer a practical or financially feasible solution.
Gold plating, or giving the customer extras, is not recommended practice as per the PMBOK. From this example, you can see how such extra efforts can be futile and even detrimental to the project. Gold plating can lead to failed customer experience, cost and schedule overruns, project delays, or even project failure.
Instead you need to understand the voice of the customer (VOC), which refers to the stated and unstated needs of the customer. Before you begin designing any product or service, you must know and understand VOC.
Quality must be defined based on objective criteria. CTQs (Critical to Quality) are a product, service, or process where performance standards or specification limits must be met to satisfy a customer requirement. CTQs define what is perceived to be important to the customer. Thus, CTQs ensure you are delivering value to the customer.
CTQs link customer needs gathered from VOC data with specific, measurable characteristics.
So don't get confused by quality. Don't let personal preferences and assumptions cloud your judgment. Instead, focus on delivering what the customer needs and establishes as important, and not what you think will impress them.
Don't forget to leave your comments below.
