During the design process, a mood board primarily serves as what?

A mood board primarily serves as a visual inspiration tool for designers, which is essential during the early stages of the design process. It is a collage of images, text, materials, and colors that conveys the desired aesthetic and feel of a project. By incorporating various visual elements, a mood board helps designers express concepts, evoke emotions, and establish a visual direction that aligns with the project's goals. This tool fosters creativity, encouraging team members to share ideas and brainstorm collaboratively.

Using a mood board can also aid in aligning the entire team and stakeholders on the vision for the project, making it easier to communicate the intended atmosphere and style. By visually presenting ideas, designers can gather feedback and refine their vision before moving on to more detailed design work.