What defines a design requirement?

A design requirement is a specific condition that a product or solution must fulfill. This definition emphasizes the essential characteristics and functionalities that a design must exhibit to meet the needs of the stakeholders or end-users. Design requirements guide the development process, ensuring that the final product aligns with the intended purpose and delivers the necessary performance.

For instance, if a design requirement for a new smartphone includes a camera that must take high-resolution photos, then the design and engineering teams must ensure that the camera incorporates features that support this capability. This focus on fulfilling predefined criteria helps to create a successful and user-focused solution.

In contrast, aspects such as budget constraints, timelines, or team collaboration, while important in the overall project management process, do not precisely define the functional or performance expectations of a design. They serve as supporting elements that can influence how the design meets its requirements but are not the requirements themselves.