What completes the phrase in the design process step: 'gather information/ _____ research'?

• A. Background
• B. Feasibility
• C. Analysis
• D. Validation

Answer: (A)

Gathering information is followed by background research, which digs into the context: what is already known about the problem, user needs, existing solutions, materials, technologies, and constraints. This creates a foundation that informs design criteria and helps avoid reinventing the wheel. Feasibility checks whether a concept is workable, analysis examines data to compare options, and validation ensures the final design meets requirements in practice. Therefore, background research is the best fit to complete the phrase.