Techniques for designing information technology components by influencing design of a component using a set of criteria that reflect requirements of a target market. Each of the criteria may have one or more attributes, and may be different in priority from one another. The criteria are preferably directed toward ensuring, and/or improving, the component's acceptance by its target market. Preferably, a component assessment process is used to determine whether the assessed component will meet requirements of its target market; if deficiencies are found, the component (or supporting information such as documentation) can then be redesigned.