Product characterization
Sound and precise product characterization is an essential condition for good and effective design.
The first step in product development is the generation of a document in which all goals, requirements, and limitations are defined. Effective product characterization takes into account both the solid and the soft attributes of a product.
A precise product definition has implications on the project: it streamlines the process, shortens the time schedule, and leads to a quality product that is appropriate to the defined target markets. Valuable product definition is usually preceded by consumer and user-experience research.