The user emotions speak a lot about their mental models. I try not to miss on the empathy factor while creating a user-centered design. I would use story sessions, empathy map, What-How-Why questionnaire and most importantly WCAG because accessibility matters.

Starting with the user journey map I steer the process towards scenario-making and storyboarding. Followed by building a strong narative which would lead me to a rudimentary information architecture. To further refine/evaluate the IA I would certainly use the card sorting technique.

Before moving into digital wireframing, I believe in pen-drawing all the scenarios/screens on a molecular level. It not only enhances scope for rapid experimentation but also provides thinkability to ideate faster.

Spending time on 'Prototyping' in one of my favourites. Prototyping not only helps to test-run the designs but if done exhaustively, voila!, you'll have a blueprint of your MVP. For multiple solutions in hand I would definitely go for A/B testing to find out the one with best usability.