Which of the following best describes a design defect?

A design defect occurs when a product is designed in such a way that it possesses unreasonably dangerous characteristics, making it unsafe for the consumer even when manufactured correctly and used as intended. This concept is grounded in the idea that the design itself is inherently flawed, which can lead to potential hazards that were not necessary for the product's intended use.

In the case of products with design defects, the risk of harm arises not from how the product was made but rather from its foundational design choices. This can encompass aspects such as inadequate safety features or the choice of materials that may not withstand expected use conditions, thereby putting users at an unreasonable risk.

Recognizing design defects is crucial in fields like safety management and product liability, as it helps create standards for evaluating whether a product meets safety regulations and addresses public safety concerns effectively.