Which of the following is NOT one of the four stages of the product design process?

The four stages of the product design process typically encompass a sequence that helps guide a product from conceptualization to production and evaluation. The correct answer identifies budgeting and financing as a factor that is not officially recognized as one of these core stages.

In the product design process, important stages usually include design and development, which focuses on creating and refining the design; planning and production, which involves organizing resources and manufacturing processes; and evaluating the final product, where the product’s functionality, aesthetics, and user experience are assessed post-production.

Although budgeting and financing are essential components in bringing a product to market, they are considered broader business operations rather than specific stages focused on the design to production workflow. Therefore, while budgeting and financing play a vital role in the overall success of a product, they do not fit within the primary stages pertaining strictly to the product design process.