Final answer:
Quality has two components: conformance and performance. Conformance is about matching established standards, while performance is about fulfilling the product’s intended purpose. Evaluating quality also involves criteria, constraints, and intangible aspects that influence consumer perception.
Step-by-step explanation:
Quality, the overall characteristics of a product that allow it to perform as expected, has two components: conformance and performance. Conformance refers to the degree to which a product's design and operating characteristics meet established standards, while performance denotes the product's ability to fulfill its intended purpose effectively. When engineers focus on the attributes of a product, they often consider both these aspects to ensure that the prototypes align with consumer expectations and the product's functional requirements.
However, when prototypes are not tested adequately, there may be discrepancies between how the product was designed to function and how it actually performs. To evaluate the quality of a design, we must look at the criteria and constraints, including intangible aspects like guarantees of satisfaction, a reputation for high quality, and any additional services offered with the product. It's also crucial to consider how differentiation, influenced by advertising and consumer preferences, can impact perceived quality, even for products with similar physical characteristics.