What does the term “design iteration” refer to in engineering?

The term "design iteration" in engineering is best defined by the process of revising and improving designs based on feedback. This concept emphasizes that design is not a one-time event but an ongoing process where engineers evaluate and refine their ideas through multiple versions or cycles.

During design iteration, engineers often develop prototypes and test them, collecting feedback to identify areas for improvement. This feedback may come from user testing, peer reviews, or performance evaluations. As a result, the design is continually enhanced to better meet user needs or to function more effectively. This cyclical approach allows for innovation and better solutions to emerge over time, making it a fundamental aspect of the engineering design process.

The other options suggest a more rigid or complete approach to design, which does not accurately reflect the iterative nature that is crucial in engineering practices. It’s the ability to revise and adapt designs based on ongoing assessments that makes design iteration a vital part of engineering disciplines.