What is the purpose of a design?

The purpose of a design is to serve as a plan that demonstrates the look and function of a concept. This entails creating a blueprint or framework that visually and operationally represents how a product will appear and behave in a practical context. Design encompasses not only aesthetics but also functionality, ensuring that the final product meets its intended use effectively. It focuses on the initial stages of product development where ideas are formulated, concepts are drafted, and potential solutions are outlined.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different aspects of product development or business strategy. Showing finished product details after production refers more to documentation and marketing, rather than the design phase itself. A marketing strategy for newly developed products focuses on promoting a product rather than creating its outline or framework, which is essential in the design process. Registering a patent is a legal step taken to protect innovative ideas, which does not align with the conceptual and functional representation that design involves. Thus, option B encapsulates the essence of what a design is meant to achieve in the context of engineering and technology.