Application of generalized linear models to the design improvement of an engineering artefact

In recent years, designed experiments and response-surface methods of analysis have been used in the design and optimization of engineering artefacts. The key to this statistical approach is to build a set of accurate response models of the performances of such artefacts. This paper introduces the class of generalized linear regression models (GLMs) and a non-parametric model-fitting technique, which extend classical linear regression models and often provide better-fitting surfaces for the description of performances. GLMs have not so far been applied to the design of engineering artefacts. An example from Philips on the design of a lamp filament is given to illustrate the application.