What is meant by 'functional testing' in product design?

Functional testing in product design refers to the process of evaluating a product to ensure that it operates effectively and fulfills its intended purpose. This involves checking whether all features and functions work as designed and meet specific requirements set forth during the development phase. For instance, if a product is designed to perform certain tasks, functional testing will determine if it can carry out those tasks effectively without failure.

This testing is crucial because it verifies that the product is not only designed well but also works correctly when used as intended. It can involve various methods, such as usability tests, performance tests, and stress tests, depending on the nature of the product.

Options that suggest assessing visual appeal, testing for environmental compliance, or measuring market potential pertain to different aspects of product evaluation. While these are important components in the overall design and marketing process, they do not directly address the core objective of functional testing, which is focused on the operational aspects and ensuring the product's functionality.