Gilbert (2004: 7) defines quality as the totality of features and characteristics of a product or service that bear on its ability to satisfy stated or implied needs. This definition can be summarised as consistent conformance to customers’ expectations, as opposed to
fitness for purpose. Deming (1986: 34) draws the same distinction by considering quality
as delighting the customer; establishing a direct link to personal experience, as opposed to
conformance to specification. Even though governments impose some services on people
for the common good and ration others, the challenge of delighting the customer should
lead to better treatment and possibly better outcomes than simply conforming to specification.
If the users then are actively involved in developing specifications, the service is even
more likely to at least meet expectations, if not actually to bring delight.