should use plural or single

[Unregistered]

could anybody help whether "function, principle, structure and material" in the following sentence should be plural:

The final realization of a product is decided by design knowledge such as function, principle, structure and material.

I think plural should be used for them but not very sure.

Many thanks for any help in advance.

fang2008

[Tdol]

It depends on the product; a product could have one function or many, etc. What is the product?

[fang2008]

just consider in a general situation, rather than on a specific product.

[jctgf]

just a student.
I think you can use either and the meaning would be the same.
as to the first part of the sentence I would say "the final product is determined by...".
just a student.
thanks.

[bhaisahab]

just consider in a general situation, rather than on a specific product.

If you want a general situation then either is possible.

[fang2008]

thanks

[jctgf]

you could also say "the making of a product is determined by ..."
just a student.

[RonBee]

Suggestions in blue.

could anybody help whether "function, principle, structure and material" in the following sentence should be plural:

The final realization of a product is decided by design knowledge such as function, principle, structure and material.

I think plural should be used for them but not very sure.

Could anybody tell me if function, principle, structure, and material in the following sentence should be plural?

The final realization of a product is decided by design knowledge such as function, principle, structure and material.

I think they should be plural, but I am not sure.

It could be either way. Make a choice and stick with it. (I like it the way it is. The governing phrase is design knowledge, and either singular or plural will go well with that.)

[fang2008]

thanks

[tedtmc]

The final realization of a product is decided by design knowledge such as function, principle, structure and material.

Function, principle(?), structure and material are the various design considerations, amongst others such as aesthetics, in coming up with a design.

Product design is usually based on a set of design criteria or factors.
I'd prefer the word 'based on' rather than 'decided/determined by'.

not a teacher