Poka-Yoke
Mistake-Proofing · Inadvertent Error Prevention
Mechanism built into a process that helps an equipment operator avoid mistakes, thereby eliminating product defects by preventing, correcting, or drawing attention to human errors as they occur.
EverydayConcepts.io
Origin
Shigeo Shingo, an industrial engineer at Toyota, developed the concept in 1961 as part of the Toyota Production System after redesigning a switch assembly process where workers kept forgetting to insert a spring. Originally called baka-yoke ("fool-proofing"), the name was changed in 1963 after a worker at Arakawa Body Company objected to the term's insulting connotation — yielding the gentler poka-yoke ("mistake-proofing").
Updated February 22, 2026