Response surface methodology

RSM is an empirical model which employs the use of mathematical and statistical techniques to relate input variables, otherwise known as factors, to the response.

Statistical approaches such as RSM can be employed to maximize the production of a special substance by optimization of operational factors.

However, the second-degree model can be used to optimize (maximize, minimize, or attain a specific target for) the response variable(s) of interest.

Nonetheless, response surface methodology has an effective track-record of helping researchers improve products and services: For example, Box's original response-surface modeling enabled chemical engineers to improve a process that had been stuck at a saddle-point for years.

Box's design reduced the costs of experimentation so that a quadratic model could be fit, which led to a (long-sought) ascent direction.