Final answer:
A problem statement defines a design problem including problem or goal statements, constraints, and criteria. Constraints are non-negotiable aspects, whereas criteria are used to compare design options. This document serves as a foundational guide in the design process.
Step-by-step explanation:
A document that fully defines a problem and includes statements of the problem or goal, constraints, and criteria, is known as a problem statement. The problem statement acts as a foundation for developing a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of a good solution, with these characteristics being expressed in terms of constraints and criteria. Constraints are limitations or conditions that must be met by a design, serving as non-negotiable aspects that a solution must satisfy. On the other hand, criteria refer to measurable standards or attributes of a design, which are used for comparing various design options to determine which one better solves the problem.
In the problem definition step of the design process, the team identifies the needs of potential customers, competitors, any imposed governmental or technological limitations, and internal constraints like available personnel, time, and budget. This process results in a clear and concise problem statement that guides the subsequent steps of the design process. To assess the quality of a design, the identified criteria and constraints are used to evaluate which potential solutions address the problem most effectively, ensuring the solution aligns with the goals and available resources.
Documenting all steps of the design process and making clear scientific justifications for decisions, including the determination of factors and weights of requirements and constraints, is vital for transparency and validation of the design solution chosen to solve the problem.