Final answer:
Functional requirements are defined as the processes a system is expected to perform. They outline the necessary capabilities of a system, contingent on criteria and constraints which are essential elements in the design and development process. Design architecture maps these requirements into the physical product components considering all constraints.
Step-by-step explanation:
Functional requirements can best be defined as a. those processes that you want a system to perform. These are detailed statements of capabilities, functions, or services that a system needs to provide. Identifying criteria and constraints is essential in the engineering design process to ensure that the final product meets the needs of the users within specified limitations.
Constraints are the non-negotiable factors that the design must satisfy, such as safety standards, budget limits, or regulatory requirements, which are either met or not. Criteria are the measurable standards used to compare different design solutions to determine which best meets the project goals. These might include factors such as efficiency, cost-effectiveness, or durability.
The development of the design architecture is a significant step that involves mapping the functional requirements to the physical components of the product. This step ensures that the system meets desired needs while acknowledging constraints like economic, environmental, social considerations, and more. This approach aligns with the engineer's responsibility to apply knowledge of various fields to design and elaborate systems within realistic parameters.