Why are functional requirements crucial in product design?

Functional requirements are crucial in product design because they define what a product must do in order to fulfill its intended purpose and meet the needs of users. These requirements specify the essential features and functionalities that the product must have, which in turn guides the design process. When these needs are clearly outlined, designers can create solutions that are practical, user-friendly, and technically feasible, ensuring that the end product effectively addresses the problem it aims to solve.

By focusing on functional requirements, teams can prioritize the development of features that directly enhance usability and satisfaction for the user. This alignment with user needs is essential for achieving successful product outcomes. In contrast, while aesthetic quality, marketing strategies, and production costs are important considerations, they do not drive the fundamental capabilities and functionalities that users expect from a product.