During which phase should design research take place according to the text?

The phase during which design research should take place is critical for ensuring that the design process is user-centered and effective. Conducting research during the design phase allows designers to gather insights that help them understand user needs, preferences, and behaviors. This information is essential for creating a product that resonates with the target audience and addresses their pain points.

By integrating design research into the design phase, teams can evaluate concepts, iterate on ideas, and refine features based on real user feedback. This approach also fosters collaboration among team members, as insights from research can guide discussions and decisions throughout the design process, ensuring that the final product aligns well with user expectations.

In contrast, research conducted before product development can provide initial insights but may not capture the nuances that arise from actual design iterations. Conducting research after launch may be too late to inform product adjustments and improvements effectively. Limiting research only to user testing ignores the earlier stages of product development where crucial design decisions are made.