design specification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "design specification" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a detailed description of the design requirements for a project or product. Example: "The design specification outlines the materials, dimensions, and performance criteria for the new product."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The magnetized toys were also made in China, but they followed a Mattel design specification.

The New York Times

For the constrained case, the first and only periodic state found satisfies a design specification.

Chemical Engineering Science

Design, specification, coding, and testing of a significant team programming project under faculty supervision.

Stanford University

The 40-year life span was a design specification, said Guillaume Wack, director for nuclear plants at the Autorité de Sûreté Nucléaire, or A.S.N., the French nuclear regulator.

The New York Times

The constraint values are selected from the product design specification.

Materials & Design

Optimum design specification is testified by the experimental result.

Journal of Materials Processing Technology

The performance of the VDS meets the design specification.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

His team use genetic algorithms to tweak the irregular analogue circuit components until they conform to the design specification.

The Economist

And this after a 38 year career in IBM Main Frame computer systems design, specification writing, coding, debugging, testing etc.

Columbia University

The company now believed that the problem involved a "unique design specification" of the tires, combined with human error and machine problems at the company's Decatur, Ill., factory, he said.

The New York Times

The final design specification was capable of detecting an average −80% effect size (5×).

Fisheries Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "design specification", ensure you are referring to a comprehensive document that outlines all necessary details for the design, including materials, dimensions, and performance criteria.

Common error

Avoid using "design specification" loosely to refer to a general idea or goal. It's crucial to remember that a design specification is a detailed, technical document and not simply a statement of intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "design specification" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to a detailed document or set of documents that outline the design requirements, standards, and technical details for a particular project or product, which is supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

23%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Unknown/unmatched sources

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "design specification" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase, used primarily in scientific, news, and academic contexts. It functions to provide detailed instructions for the implementation of a design, maintaining a formal or professional tone. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-established and widely used. The phrase is distinct from "design requirements", emphasizing the 'how' rather than the 'what'. Common errors include mistaking it for a general concept rather than a detailed document. When writing, ensure the term is used in its precise, technical sense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Design requirements

Focuses on the needs and criteria a design must meet, rather than the detailed documentation of those criteria.

Design criteria

Emphasizes the standards or tests by which a design is evaluated.

Design standards

Highlights the established rules and guidelines a design must adhere to.

Technical specifications

Shifts the focus to the technical details and performance characteristics of the design.

Product specifications

Specifically refers to the detailed requirements for a particular product.

Engineering specifications

Emphasizes the engineering aspects and technical requirements of the design.

Performance criteria

Highlights the required performance levels and metrics for the design.

System requirements

Focuses on the overall needs and constraints of the entire system.

Blueprint

Refers to a detailed plan or design, often used in engineering or architecture.

Detailed design

Highlights the comprehensive and thorough nature of the design process.

FAQs

How is a "design specification" different from "design requirements"?

While both terms relate to design, "design requirements" define what the design must achieve, whereas the "design specification" provides a detailed plan of how those requirements will be met. Think of requirements as goals and specifications as the roadmap to reach them.

What are some synonyms for "design specification"?

Depending on the context, you can use terms like "design requirements", "technical specifications", or "engineering specifications" as alternatives to "design specification".

What should be included in a good "design specification"?

A comprehensive "design specification" should include details about materials, dimensions, performance criteria, safety standards, and any other relevant information necessary for the successful implementation of the design.

Is "design specifications" or "design specification" more appropriate?

While "design specifications" (plural) is also correct, it typically refers to a set of specifications. "Design specification" (singular) is used when referring to the document or process itself.