The question requires understanding the stages of design thinking. Design thinking is a structured process that involves several stages aimed at solving complex problems with a human-centered approach. The correct sequence in design thinking is as follows:
- Empathize (D): This is the first stage where one seeks to understand the user's needs and experiences. It's about putting oneself in the user's shoes to gain insight into their problems.
- Define (E): In this stage, one synthesizes information gathered during the Empathize stage to define the core problems faced by the users.
- Ideate (A): This involves generating a range of ideas and solutions. Creative and brainstorming methods are typically employed here to explore possibilities.
- Prototype (C): Here, low-cost, scaled-down versions of the product or solution are created. This allows for experimentation and exploration of different ways to solve the problem.
- Test (B): In this final stage, the prototypes are tested with the target users to gather feedback. This helps refine and improve the solution based on real-world applications.
The correct order of the stages of design thinking is thus D, E, A, C, B. Let's analyze the given options and see why this order is the correct one:
- Option D, E, A, C, B: Follows the correct and logical progression of stages in design thinking, as explained.
- Option E, A, B, D, C: Incorrect. This sequence disrupts the chronological order starting with Define, missing the initial empathizing process.
- Option A, E, B, C, D: Incorrect. This begins with Ideation, which should follow after gaining insights and defining the problem.
- Option B, C, E, A, D: Incorrect. Beginning with Testing is impractical without having a prior prototype or ideas to test.
Therefore, the correct answer is D, E, A, C, B, which represents the appropriate sequence of stages in design thinking.