The following is a prioritized occurrence of the product design attributes referenced in the previous list of cost drivers.  As this is not a scientific accounting, draw your own conclusions.  But, my sense tells me that selection of technology, establishing and maintaining proper documentation (in whatever form), designing for serviceability, testability and product safety have a major effect on Whole 'Product life' costs, especially for large volume products.

Let's take each product design attribute as prioritized by its occurrence in the cost drivers and list what direct and indirect costs they influence.  Then we'll list the tools, skills and supporting structures that are needed for the product developer to deal with and organize the applicable cost aspects of a product.  Needless-to-say, information pertinent to each attribute must come from the appropriate participants involved in the applicable stages of the product life cycle.  All this, then, will enable the costs associated with each attribute to be identified so that the developers are able to design a product to minimize known costs and provide mechanisms to control anticipated costs.