Response surface methodology: A retrospective and literature survey

Response surface methodology (RSM) is a collection of statistical design and numerical optimization techniques used to optimize processes and product designs. The original work in this area dates from the 1950s and has been widely used, especially in the chemical and process industries. The last 15 years have seen the widespread application of RSM and many new developments. In this review paper we focus on RSM activities since 1989. We discuss current areas of research and mention some areas for future research.