This dissertation discusses the construction and use of a new design tool, the Axiomatic House of Quality (AHOQ). Many organizations have experienced problems with the implementation of the current House of Quality (HOQ) model. Problems included excessive development time, costs, and the loss of the customer's requirements. The author believed that the cause of these problems was due to differences in format, and misunderstanding of HOQ terminology. The author assumed that a standard model and terminology would reduce confusion during development and expedite the design process. However, most problems with the HOQ resulted from customer requirement dependencies. These dependencies cause excessive time as design teams attempt to resolve conflicting requirements. It was concluded that a standard model and terminology would not significantly improve the HOQ. Instead, principles and methods of the HOQ would be examined and modified to correct problems with consumer requirement dependencies. This dissertation discusses the need for changes in the principles and methods used in the HOQ. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)Dept. of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis2001 .M36. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 40-03, page: 0765. Adviser: Filippo Salustri. Thesis (M.A.Sc.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 2001.