In the planning phase, alternative designs that serve the desired function and satisfy
the need of the client and the user are developed. The basis for these is a ‘terms of
reference’ (or program of requirements) document. The engineers translate these
functional requirements into technical specifications and the deterministic parameters in these technical specifications form the basis for design. Uncertainty in design parameters is taken into account through (minimum) compliance with the requisite norms and standards wherein safety factors to be incorporated in designs are
prescribed.