What is the Design Cycle?

The Design Cycle refers to a structured approach used in engineering and design processes to create products systematically. This approach typically consists of several stages, including defining the problem, researching, ideating, prototyping, testing, and refining the design. Each stage builds upon the previous one, allowing designers and engineers to evaluate their ideas critically and incorporate feedback effectively, ultimately leading to a well-thought-out final product.

In contrast, the other options, while potentially relevant to product development, do not encapsulate the comprehensive nature of the Design Cycle. For example, marketing techniques or financial plans are aspects of product development but do not define the iterative and systematic process that characterizes the Design Cycle. Similarly, methods for scheduling product launches are more about timing and strategy rather than the detailed creation and refinement of the product itself. Therefore, the definition as a process that involves several stages aligns perfectly with the essence of the Design Cycle.