When was Six Sigma developed?

Six Sigma was developed between 1985 and 1988 at Motorola by Bill Smith as a quality improvement initiative. Its purpose was to enhance processes and reduce defects in manufacturing and business operations. During this period, Motorola implemented Six Sigma as a response to increasing competition and the need for higher quality standards. The methodology gained prominence after it was effectively demonstrated as a way to significantly improve production processes and quality performance at the company, ultimately leading to its wider adoption across various industries. This historical context highlights why the timeframe of 1985 to 1988 is recognized as the correct answer regarding the development of Six Sigma.