Design refers to the intended characteristics of the output.
The design should reflect consumer need, and it includes the specifications of the output, the scope of the product or service, the time frame for delivery, and the supplies, materials, and human resources needed to develop the output. Such matters as structure and durability are related to the output, which typically has measurable elements. From the consumer's point of view, the quality of the design and the quality of the output can be quite different things. Today, for example, a slide rule might be of high quality in terms of output, but it will not sell well because such computational technology as the electronic calculator offers higher quality in terms of design. The process includes the determination of who the real customer is and whom to involve in the design.