What is a recommended preliminary step before creating pages in a Mendix application?

Creating wireframes is a crucial preliminary step before developing pages in a Mendix application because it allows for a visual representation of the user interface and the user experience. Wireframes help in planning the layout of each page, identifying essential elements, and ensuring that all necessary features are included. This process aids in clarifying the application's structure and navigational flow, making it easier to communicate ideas and gather input from stakeholders before actual development begins. By visualizing the application early on, developers can make informed decisions and adjustments, ultimately enhancing the final product's design and usability.

While analyzing user feedback, drafting a business plan, and conducting competitor analysis are important aspects of building a successful application, they do not specifically address the immediate needs of designing the user interface. User feedback can inform design choices but typically comes into play after initial designs are made. A business plan lays out the overall goals and objectives but doesn’t focus on the page structure. Meanwhile, competitor analysis can provide insights into industry standards or features to consider but does not replace the benefit of direct visual planning through wireframes.