In product design, what does a specification refer to?

A specification in product design serves as a comprehensive document outlining the design requirements essential for creating a product. It includes critical elements such as dimensions, materials, performance criteria, and regulatory standards that the final product must meet. The significance of having a detailed specification is that it provides clear guidance to designers and engineers throughout the product development process, ensuring that everyone involved has a common understanding of the project's goals and constraints. This clarity helps maintain focus, aligns efforts, and prevents misunderstandings that could lead to design flaws or product failures.

The other options do not encompass the full scope of what a specification entails. For instance, a list of potential design ideas is more about brainstorming and ideation rather than detailing requirements. A summary of the design team's skills focuses on the capabilities of the personnel but does not address product requirements. A budget estimate pertains to financial planning rather than the technical or functional aspects that a specification outlines.