Bruksformen

Bruksformen is a design theory concept that describes the form of a product as being primarily guided by how it will be used. The term is drawn from Nordic linguistic roots, with bruk meaning use and formen meaning the form, and it is used to articulate a design stance that places function and usability at the center of form decisions.

Core principles of Bruksformen include prioritizing usability, safety, and comfort; ensuring durability and repairability; favoring modularity and straightforward assembly; and considering the product’s entire lifecycle from manufacture to end-of-life. Proponents argue that the form should reveal and support real use cases, making operations intuitive and reducing the need for extensive instructions or means of operation.

History and adoption have grown alongside debates about sustainability and the circular economy. Since the 2010s, Bruksformen has circulated in Nordic design discourse and has been integrated into design education, case studies, and industry discussions. It is applied to a range of products, from furniture and tools to consumer electronics, and is sometimes used in procurement criteria to emphasize longevity and maintainability.

Applications and evaluation typically involve user testing, assessment of repairability and disassembly, and lifecycle analysis. Design reviews under Bruksformen emphasize how a product’s geometry, materials, and interfaces enable straightforward use, easy repair, and simple upgrading or recycling. Critics note that an exclusive focus on use can constrain aesthetics or brand expression, and that measuring “use” can be subjective.

See also: form follows function, user-centered design, eco-design, durability, circular design.