Final answer:
When beginning a program design, you work from a problem statement, which sets the stage for defining criteria and constraints, and may lead to the development of a prototype to test design decisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you begin designing a program, you work from a problem statement, a description of what your program should do. The problem statement is critical as it provides a clear understanding of the scope of the design project and the resources available to solve the design problem. It is essentially the first step in defining the problem where you research the needs of potential customers, identify competitors, understand governmental and technological constraints, and set the constraints and criteria for the design process, such as time, personnel, and budget. This leads to identifying criteria and constraints that shape the characteristics of a successful solution, with constraints being conditions that must be met and criteria being measurable standards of the design. Additionally, a prototype may be developed to test design decisions and identify potential problems before arriving at a final solution.