Designer: I want to make a thing-a-ma-jig, but I’d like to know how much it would cost. That way I wont waste my time designing something that is over our budget.
Engineer: Before I find that out. I would like to spend countless hours seeing if your rough designer model is: manufacturable, safe to use, up to spec, available in those colors, shock absorbent, water tight, and smell resistant.
[two weeks later]
Engineer: Good News! We found no problems with your thing-a-ma-jig.
Designer: Great. How much is it going to cost?
Engineer: $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
