Through interviews with potential purchasers,
focus groups, by observing similar products in use researchers identify customer needs
The list of needs will include hidden needs, needs that customers may not be aware of or problems they simply accept without question, as well as explicit needs, or needs that will most likely be reported by potential purchasers.
Researchers develop the necessary information on which to base the performance, size, weight, service life, and other specifications of the product.
Customer needs and product specifications are organized into a hierarchical list with a comparative rating value given to each need and specification.