Which term describes both the criteria and constraints in engineering design?

The correct answer is "parameters" because, in engineering design, parameters refer to the specific criteria and constraints that define the boundaries within which a project must operate. This includes the limits and requirements that guide the design process—such as budget constraints, material properties, and safety standards. Parameters serve as the guiding framework for engineers to ensure that the design fulfills the intended purpose while adhering to necessary limitations.

In contrast, goals typically refer to the overall objectives or desired outcomes of a project, while specifications are more detailed requirements that may focus on individual aspects of a product or process rather than encapsulating criteria and constraints as a whole. Considerations are broader thoughts and factors taken into account during the design process but do not precisely define the limits or requirements involved.