Which concept describes the sequence: understand, observe; define, ideate; prototype; test?

• A. Agile methodology
• B. Waterfall model
• C. Design thinking process
• D. Creative brief

Answer: (C)

The sequence describes the design thinking process. It starts with understanding and observing users to uncover their needs and context, then defines the problem based on those insights. Next comes ideation, where many potential solutions are generated without judgment. Prototyping turns ideas into tangible forms that can be tested, and testing gathers feedback from users to refine the solution, often looping back to earlier steps. This human-centered, iterative flow is the hallmark of design thinking, emphasizing empathy and learning through rapid experimentation. In contrast, the waterfall model is a linear progression with little room for revisiting stages, Agile focuses on iterative development and delivery cycles, and a creative brief is simply a planning document outlining goals and constraints rather than a problem-solving process.