Which type of feedback is essential for designers during prototyping?

User feedback is essential for designers during the prototyping phase because it directly informs the effectiveness, usability, and overall experience of the design. By gathering insights from actual users who interact with the prototype, designers can identify pain points, preferences, and areas for improvement. This feedback is invaluable as it reflects the thoughts and behaviors of the target audience, allowing designers to make necessary adjustments before the final version is developed.

While peer assessments and crowdsourced opinions can provide useful insights, they may not be as targeted or relevant as feedback obtained directly from users who will engage with the product. Historical data, while beneficial for contextual understanding or trend analysis, does not provide real-time insights on current design efficacy within the specific context of a new prototype. Therefore, user feedback stands out as the cornerstone of the design process during prototyping, ensuring that the end product meets user needs and expectations effectively.