What does the empathy step of the design cycle focus on?

The empathy step of the design cycle is centered around seeking an in-depth understanding of the users and their needs, feelings, and experiences. This stage involves engaging with users through observations, interviews, and surveys to gather insights into their challenges and motivations. By prioritizing empathy, designers can better tailor their solutions to effectively address the real problems users face.

Understanding users allows designers to create products that are not just functional, but also resonate on a personal level, enhancing user satisfaction and engagement. This foundational step is crucial for ensuring that the design process is user-centered, which ultimately leads to more successful outcomes in later phases, such as prototyping and testing.