How to Conduct a Design Verification Test

A Design Verification Test (DVT) proves that the drawings, if followed correctly, will produce a product that meets the requirements. In order to avoid a myriad of issues, a DVT should be conducted before the product is released to manufacturing.

How do you conduct a DVT? Here is an outline to get you started:

1. Start with the Requirements Document (RD). After all, the RD defines “it works.”
2. If there is no RD, develop one. You can download our RD tool here.
3. Hopefully, the requirements are enumerated and objective. If not, now is the time for some editing.
4. Write a formal DVT test procedure. You will likely go through DVT several times during the product’s lifetime. Formal means it is a controlled drawing that complies with the drawing control procedures.
5. This DVT test procedure should include a test procedure document and a test record document with acceptance criteria. You can download our Test Record Drawing here.
6. For each enumerated requirement, there should be a corresponding test procedure and test record.
7. DVT procedure may have to reference other reports. Compliance (FCC, ATEX, UL, Etc) is one example.
8. It is always a good idea to hold a design review after the DVT has been completed.

If you are struggling with exactly how to test a certain requirement, call us. We have seen almost everything.