Final answer:
The Product Design Specification (PDS) is a document detailing all requirements a product must satisfy, including performance, materials, and standards. It acts as a guide for engineers and designers in the development process, ensuring the product meets customer expectations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Product Design Specification (PDS) is a comprehensive, detailed document that conveys the requirements for a product that needs to be designed and produced. This document typically outlines the performance requirements, aesthetic considerations, material specifications, compliance with standards, and any other expectations a product must meet. The PDS serves as a crucial guide for engineers and designers throughout the design and development process, ensuring that the end product aligns with the customer's needs and expectations.
To give an example, in the development of a new smartphone, the PDS might include specifications on the desired battery life, water resistance rating, size constraints, screen resolution, materials to be used, and target cost, among other features. In this manner, the PDS acts as a roadmap from concept through to production, reducing risks and improving communication amongst stakeholders.