What is the purpose of a design specification?

The design specifications enable a product to be assembled as specified by the designer. Generally, design specs are preceded by design requirements, which incorporate all factors that the design must satisfy.

Design specifications generally refer to the physical characteristics of a product and include such specifics as size, weight, strength, storage capacity, components, component materials, purpose and cost. Once these details are solidified, further refinements may be added, such as safety standards, recycling qualities and colors. If research has been carried out correctly and completely, the design specification should be the most easily accomplished part of a full design project.