What is the purpose of quality assurance (QA) in product development?

Quality assurance (QA) plays a critical role in product development by focusing on ensuring the reliability and performance of a product. The primary purpose of QA is to establish consistent quality standards and processes that help identify defects or issues before a product reaches the market. By implementing quality checks and testing during the development phases, organizations can confirm that the product meets safety, functionality, and durability expectations. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also builds trust in the brand as users can rely on the product's operation and performance.

While aspects like increasing market share, innovating new technologies, and ensuring legal compliance are important factors in the overall business strategy, they do not capture the core goal of quality assurance, which is to maintain a high standard of quality in the products produced. Quality assurance focuses specifically on the processes that lead to reliable and effective products, making it essential in the product development lifecycle.