Design workflow — In practical product design, is it standard for a designer to brainstorm and iterate several concept ideas before selecting a final plan?

Introduction / Context:
Brainstorming and iteration are hallmarks of effective design practice. Exploring alternatives leads to better trade-offs among performance, cost, manufacturability, sustainability, and aesthetics. Skipping ideation risks locking into suboptimal solutions too early.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Statement: designers typically generate several ideas prior to final selection.
• Design process includes discovery, ideation, prototyping, and evaluation.
• Stakeholders (clients, engineers, users) review and refine options.

Concept / Approach:
Divergent thinking (brainstorming) generates options; convergent thinking evaluates and selects. This cycle reduces bias, uncovers constraints, and fosters innovation. Even with a strong brief, multiple interpretations and solution paths typically exist.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Establish that professional workflows include ideation stages.2) Confirm that multiple sketches, mockups, or CAD variants are common.3) Conclude the statement aligns with industry practice.

Verification / Alternative check:
Design reviews often request 3–5 concept directions before downselecting; many organizations formalize gates (concept, feasibility, detail) that rely on prior exploration.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Incorrect: Ignores established design methodology.
• Applicable only in academic projects: Professional practice relies on the same principles.
• Unnecessary if a client brief exists: Briefs guide, but do not prescribe a single solution.
• Only required for complex mechanisms: Even simple products benefit from iteration.

Common Pitfalls:
Premature convergence; fixation on the first idea; inadequate user feedback; skipping rough prototypes; failing to document lessons learned.

Final Answer:
Correct