A design specification is a detailed document providing a list of points regarding a product or process. For example, the design specification could include required dimensions, environmental factors, ergonomic factors, aesthetic factors, maintenance that will be needed, etc. It may also give specific examples of how the design should be executed, helping others work properly (a guideline for what the person should do).
Example design specification
An example design specification is shown below. Columns and information may be adjustable based on the output format (may be a physical product, or software, etc.)
| Number | Category | Demand / want | Weighting | Requirement | Success criteria | Method of assessment | Date modified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aesthetics | Demand | 2 | Product must be blue | Product is blue | Visual analysis | 03-12 |
| 2 | Cost | Demand | 1 | Product costs less than £300 | Product is less than £300 | Component cost analysis | 03-12 |
| 3 | Function | Want | 3 | Product is collapsable | Product can reduce by at least 1/2 its size | Prototype testing | 05-12 |
| 4 | ... | ||||||
See also
- Data sheet (Spec sheet)
- Design by contract
- Software requirements specification
- Specification
References
- Mohan, S., Dr. "Design Specifications." Dr. S. Mohan. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Dec. 2015.
- "What Are Specifications?" Specificationsdenver. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Dec. 2015.