In design thinking, what is the primary goal of the Empathize stage?

The primary goal of the Empathize stage in design thinking is to understand customer experiences. This stage focuses on deeply understanding the feelings, thoughts, and needs of the users for whom a product is being designed. It involves engaging with users through various methods such as interviews, observations, and empathy maps to gain insights into their experiences and challenges. By prioritizing empathy, designers can create solutions that are truly user-centric and address the actual needs and pain points of the target audience. This foundational understanding is crucial, as it sets the direction for all subsequent phases of the design thinking process, ensuring that solutions are meaningful and relevant to users.