A research company wants to design a new type of artificial heart valve that will be less likely to be rejected by a person's immune system. Which step in the design process should the company perform before building a prototype of the heart valve?.

The company should first perform research and testing to determine the best materials and design for the heart valve. This should include testing the materials for compatibility with the body, as well as testing the design for durability and effectiveness. Once the research and testing is complete, the company can then move on to building a prototype of the heart valve.