Activity 4.1.1:  Have you purchased something from the internet recently? If you have you are now a part of a growing phenomenon that is sweeping the country. Faced with growing time constraints, consumers are turning to the internet to provide them with all sorts of products they use everyday. Unfortunately, many consumers have been disappointed when the product arrives on their doorstep because it isn’t exactly what they had in mind. Often this is because of an inadequate description that was provided by the seller.

Product or technical specifications are used by designers to communicate detailed information to the builders, fabricators, and manufacturers of their products. They prescribe the materials, dimensions, and workmanship for something that is to be built, installed, or manufactured. Well-written specifications ensure completeness and accuracy. Often these specifications become a part of engineering contracts. The language for such documents is necessarily precise, and the writing style tends to be legalistic. They provide information about size, shape, materials, and surface finishes that are needed for all new products.

In the case of architectural development specifications, they sometimes note the general conditions of the site. Guidelines for writing specifications are available from different governing bodies.

Activity 4.1.3:  Design is the ability to combine scientific principles, resources, and often existing products into the solution of a problem. How does a designer determine when he or she has arrived at the best design solution? A solution’s success can be measured against other alternatives by comparing it to specific design criteria.

There are many options to consider for the final design solution. Hopefully, your matrix tool has helped you narrow some of those options so your team can make a well-informed decision.