Final answer:
During the Evaluation of Solutions phase of the decision-making process, alternatives are systematically compared against criteria and constraints to select the best solution.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the Evaluation of Solutions phase of the decision-making process, the decision maker defines associations between alternatives and criteria. This critical phase involves a systematic comparison of various design concepts against established criteria and constraints, ensuring that the chosen concept fulfills all requirements and is the best possible solution given the circumstances. A structured decision-making process, often incorporating tools such as cost/benefit analysis, facilitates objective comparisons and enables informed decision-making for product design and development.
Typically, this process involves identifying criteria and constraints that establish the conditions for a successful design, then generating and exploring possible solutions, and finally refining the selected design. Constraints represent the must-haves, while criteria are measurable standards used to compare alternative designs. The evaluation process aids in selecting the most appropriate design which not only complies with the constraints but also ranks the highest according to the criteria.