Final answer:
The largest effort in a project is during the implementation phase, which involves developing detailed designs and preparing for production, often requiring flexibility due to unforeseen challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
The largest amount of effort applied to a project is during the implementation phase. This phase includes activities such as developing a detailed design from a concept, which occupies a significant proportion of the project's time and has a crucial impact on its success. A strong focus during this phase is imperative, because a poor detailed design can undermine a good concept. Additionally, implementation requires bringing together all research and selected ideas to create detailed drawings, models, and plans to prepare for production. A flexible approach is important as the design is implemented, due to the necessity of evolving plans to meet unforeseen challenges.
As implementation progresses, effort intensifies to develop systems needed for the product's production, such as locating suppliers, creating manufacturing facilities, and preparing sales and marketing strategies. The process can often be repetitive or cyclical, as designers refine and improve the project through multiple iterations until the best outcome is achieved.