What does foundational research aim to achieve?

Foundational research is primarily focused on identifying and understanding the users' problems and needs that require solutions. This type of research sets the groundwork for design decisions by revealing insights about user behaviors, pain points, motivations, and the context in which they operate. By concentrating on these elements, foundational research helps UX designers to create more user-centered products that address actual issues users face.

On the other hand, understanding design aesthetics is more about visual design choices rather than the underlying user needs. Gathering marketing strategies pertains to market analysis rather than directly focusing on user experiences or problems. Exploring post-launch success evaluates how a product performs after it has been released, which is a different phase of the design process that occurs after foundational research has already informed initial design decisions.