ABSTRACT
B. Framing the Problem The first step in any problem solving process is to define the problem in terms o f concepts relevant to the methodology that w i l l be used to solve the problem. In the design field, the problem definition is created through a cyclical repetition and refinement process. The problem is first defined in terms o f needs (very broad statements o f goals and constraints that w i l l influence the design). These needs are then refined into requirements (specific statements o f design goals and con straints). The requirements are then processed into specifications. These specifica tions outline the problem in a very quantifiable way that the design process can use to measure progress and completion. The process o f developing the specifica tions is very important, since the specifications w i l l significantly influence the design.
