When is foundational research typically conducted in the product development life cycle?

Foundational research is typically conducted before anything is designed as it plays a crucial role in understanding user needs, preferences, and pain points. By gathering insights at this early stage, designers and product teams can build a framework that informs the design and development processes. This phase helps identify the target audience, define user personas, and clarify the overarching goals of the product.

Conducting foundational research before design ensures that any subsequent design decisions are rooted in real user data rather than assumptions. This approach fosters a user-centered design process, leading to more effective and relevant product solutions. It allows teams to prioritize features and functionalities that address user needs, ultimately contributing to a more successful product outcome.

Research conducted in later stages, such as after design or post-launch, typically revolves around testing, validation, and refinement of existing concepts rather than the exploration and understanding necessary at the foundational level.