Final answer:
The next step after implementing a strategy to reduce product defects is to refine the design through testing and evaluation to identify weaknesses and areas for improvement.
Step-by-step explanation:
After implementing a strategy to reduce product defects, the next step for the quality control team at the steel company should be to refine the design. This involves testing and evaluating the current design to identify weaknesses and areas for improvement. If necessary, the team may need to select a different design concept and restart the process. Refining the design will help the company create more consistent and high-quality products, reducing defects in the long run.