Which stage in the Design Thinking Process involves creating a preliminary model?

The stage in the Design Thinking Process that involves creating a preliminary model is the Prototype phase. During this stage, ideas generated in earlier phases are transformed into tangible forms or representations. Prototyping allows designers to explore ideas, visualize solutions, and communicate them effectively. It’s where concepts evolve into practical, testable drafts that can be evaluated and refined.

Creating prototypes is essential because it encourages experimentation and provides valuable feedback. This phase is crucial for iterating on designs, making adjustments based on real user interactions, and understanding how the solution could meet user needs. Prototypes can take many forms, from low-fidelity sketches and mock-ups to more advanced digital models, depending on the project's requirements and goals.

In contrast, the other stages in the Design Thinking Process serve different purposes: Empathize involves understanding users' needs, Define focuses on articulating the problem clearly, and Test is about evaluating and validating prototypes with real users, refining solutions based on feedback. Each stage plays a critical role but only the Prototype phase centers on creating preliminary models of potential solutions.