Very few consumer products enter the full-blown production stage without undergoing a strict assessment. This program shows viewers the ins and outs of that vital phase in product creation. Beginning with important design concepts, the program lays out basic aesthetic principles and how they are utilized to enhance an item's appeal. Functional efficiency and its incorporation into design are explored, followed by the environmental impact of manufacturing and disposal. Finally, planned obsolescence is illustrated by showing how manufacturers carefully balance quality and durability against a limited useful life of the product