Storing the design
main topic 

If you want to analyze a design, you must store it in the worksheet. By default, Minitab stores the design. If you want to see the properties of various designs before selecting the design you want to store, uncheck Store design in worksheet in the Options subdialog box.

Every time you create a design, Minitab reserves and names the following columns:

·    C1 (StdOrder) stores the standard order.

·    C2 (RunOrder) stores run order.

·    C3 (PtType) stores the point type. The codes are: 0 is a center point, 1 is a cube point, -1 is an axial point, and 2 is an edge centroid point.   

·    C4 (Blocks) stores the blocking variable. When the design is not blocked, Minitab sets all column values to one.

·    C5 - Cn stores the factors. Minitab stores each factor in your design in a separate column.

If you named the factors, these names display in the worksheet. If you did not provide names, Minitab names the factors alphabetically. After you create the design, you can change the factor names directly in the Data window or with Modify Design.

If you did not assign factor levels in Factors subdialog box, Minitab stores factor levels in coded form (all factor levels are -1 or +1). If you assigned factor levels, the uncoded levels display in the worksheet. To switch back and forth between a coded and an uncoded display, use Display Design.

Caution

When you create a design using Create Response Surface Design, Minitab stores the appropriate design information in the worksheet. Minitab needs this stored information to analyze and plot data. If you want to use Analyze Response Surface Design, you must follow certain rules when modifying the worksheet data. See Modifying and Using Worksheet Data.

If you make changes that corrupt your design, you may still be able to analyze it with Analyze Response Surface Design after you use Define Custom Response Surface Design.