Can I have a 3-level categorical factor in a definitive screening design?

[#1]

It seems that when using the JMP definitive screening platform in JMP 11 Pro I can only enter two levels for each categorical factor.  I need to include a 3-level categorical factor in my DOE.  Is this in any way possible?  If so, how?

[#2 · Accepted solution]

Currently the Definitive Screening Designs accommodate only continuous factors and two-level categorical factors. Perhaps there is a slick way to have your categorical factor be treated as a continuous factor?

[#3]

Well that stinks.  Thanks anyways LouV.

[#4]

Not sure how many other factors that you have but one possibility is to run a DSD for each of the three level categorical factors. Alternatively you could use the custom design platform to easily handle the 3 level categorical factor and chose a RSM model for the experiment.

[#5]

You can create 3 sets of runs that are foldover pairs and treat the three groups as a categorical factor with 3 levels. The resulting design is orthogonal, however it may not be possible to have an equal number of runs in each group. Also, the factor you create in this way is not unaliased by two-factor interactions of the other factors.