Which of the following is a strategy of user-centered design (UCD)?

User-centered design (UCD) is an approach that prioritizes the needs, preferences, and experiences of users throughout the design process. Field research is a fundamental strategy within UCD as it involves gathering insights directly from users in real-world settings. This research allows designers to understand the context in which a product will be used, uncover user needs and pain points, and gather valuable feedback that can inform the design decisions.

By engaging with users in their environments, designers can observe behaviors, preferences, and challenges that may not become apparent through other research methods. This creates opportunities to tailor products or systems to better fit the actual, lived experiences of the users, thereby enhancing usability and satisfaction.

Other strategies like guessing user preferences, blind testing, or ignoring user feedback do not align with the principles of UCD, as they either lack direct user involvement or disregard user insights, which are essential for creating effective and user-friendly designs.