What is typically included in a design criteria?

Design criteria encompass the essential requirements that a proposed solution must fulfill to meet the goals of a project. These criteria serve as the foundation for guiding decision-making throughout the design process. They can include performance specifications, safety standards, regulatory compliance, user needs, and any other aspects that the design must adhere to in order to be considered successful.

For instance, if a project involves developing a new product, the design criteria might specify dimensions, materials, and functionality, as well as any constraints related to manufacturing or usability. This structured framework ensures that the final design effectively addresses the challenges posed by the initial problem statement and satisfies all necessary stakeholder needs.

While factors such as financial aspects, timelines, and aesthetic preferences could indeed impact the overall design process, they do not form the core essence of what constitutes design criteria. Instead, they may influence how the design criteria are approached or prioritized but are not inherent to the criteria itself.