What is the second step of the design cycle after you develop empathy for your users?

After developing empathy for users, the next logical step in the design cycle is to clearly define a specific problem that needs to be solved. This step is crucial because it allows designers to articulate what users truly need and helps to focus the design process on addressing those needs effectively. By establishing a clear definition of the problem, designers can ensure that their subsequent brainstorming and prototyping efforts are relevant and targeted.

Determining the problem helps in narrowing down ideas and generating solutions that are specifically tailored to the users' needs. This focused approach can lead to more effective designs that align with the user's experiences and challenges. Following this step with brainstorming solutions is the natural progression, but having a well-defined problem at the outset is vital for guiding the entire design process.