What is the term for gathering information on user needs and behaviors during the design process?

The term "needs finding" refers specifically to the process of gathering information about user needs, preferences, and behaviors during the design phase. This process is essential as it helps designers understand the context in which users will interact with a product, ensuring that the final design aligns with users' expectations and requirements. Needs finding typically involves various methods such as interviews, surveys, observations, and usability testing to gain insights into user experiences and challenges.

In contrast, "research the competition" focuses on analyzing rival products and approaches in the market, which, while useful for strategic positioning, doesn't directly address user needs. "Feedback" typically refers to responses received from users after they have interacted with a prototype or product, which is more about evaluation than initial understanding. "Mapping" can involve visualizing user journeys or workflows but is not primarily about gathering needs; instead, it illustrates how users interact with a system or service after their needs have already been identified.