14. Specifying the Product

The chapter begins by emphasizing the importance of market-driven product development and the need to translate customer needs into high-level product descriptions. It then delves into the process of defining user requirements and product specifications, highlighting the complexities and trade-offs involved. The chapter introduces the concept of parametric analysis as a tool for visualizing product evolution and discusses the role of usability in product design. It also explores the use of Quality Function Deployment (QFD) as a method for translating customer requirements into technical specifications. Additionally, the chapter covers the challenges of cost estimation and the impact of the learning effect on production costs. Throughout, the chapter provides a detailed and practical guide to the product specification phase, making it an invaluable resource for professionals involved in product development.