Conceptuur

Conceptuur is a neologistic term used to describe a specific stage in ideation and development where an abstract idea is translated into a concrete, testable concept. It emphasizes alignment with user needs, technical feasibility, and potential value, and it seeks to establish clear criteria for moving from concept to implementation.

Etymology and usage

The term is not standardized across industries and languages, and its meaning can vary by context. In general, conceptuur denotes a transitional phase that precedes prototyping and implementation, focusing on shaping a concept into a workable basis for further work.

Key elements

A conceptuur typically involves framing the problem, clarifying goals and success criteria, and creating concise concept representations such as sketches, models, or briefs. It also includes assessing constraints (technical, economic, regulatory), mapping risk, and defining deliverables and acceptance criteria. The process often culminates in a decision or go/no-go point regarding progression to prototyping or development.

Applications

Conceptuur is applied in product design, software development, service design, education, and public policy to ensure that early-stage ideas have a feasible scope and clear value before significant resources are committed.

Relation to other concepts

Conceptuur sits between ideation and prototyping. It shares aims with concept development, design thinking, and requirements definition but emphasizes formal criteria, boundary conditions, and explicit readiness for the next phase.

Limitations

As a structured phase, conceptuur can slow early exploration if applied too rigidly. Its effectiveness depends on clear governance, stakeholder involvement, and appropriate criteria that reflect realistic constraints.

See also

Design thinking, concept development, requirements engineering, prototyping, evaluation criteria.