What distinguishes a requirement from a constraint in engineering design?

In engineering design, the distinction between requirements and constraints is crucial for effective problem-solving and project execution. Requirements represent the essential needs or features that a design must satisfy to fulfill its intended function. They outline what the solution must achieve without which the design would be considered inadequate or incomplete. For example, a requirement for a bridge could be to support a specific weight.

Constraints, on the other hand, refer to the limitations or restrictions that the design must operate within. These can include factors such as budget restrictions, material properties, manufacturing capabilities, and regulatory standards. While requirements focus on the desired outcomes or functionalities of the design, constraints impose boundaries on how those outcomes can be realized.

Thus, the correct answer highlights that requirements are the necessary criteria that a solution must meet, while constraints are the boundaries within which those criteria must be achieved. This understanding is essential for engineers as they develop solutions that not only meet their goals but also adhere to practical limitations.