Which document would you refer to for understanding the users’ needs and behaviors?

User journey maps are essential tools for understanding users' needs and behaviors because they visually depict the steps and interactions users take when engaging with a product or service. These maps highlight the user's emotions, motivations, and pain points throughout their journey, providing deep insights into their experiences. By mapping out the entire process, designers can pinpoint areas for improvement and better align a product with the users’ expectations and requirements.

In contrast, prototypes are tangible representations of design ideas but do not inherently provide insights into user needs and behaviors; they are more about testing concepts and functionalities. Style guides focus on visual elements and design consistency but do not contain information about user behaviors or needs. Marketing plans are concerned with strategies for promoting a product and may touch on user demographics but lack the depth of understanding of individual user experiences that user journey maps provide.