Hauptanwendungen

Hauptanwendungen is a term used to describe the primary applications or main use cases for a technology, product, or service. It identifies the central value proposition for users and the core scenarios in which the solution is intended to be used. The term is often contrasted with Nebenanwendungen, which denotes secondary or less critical uses.

Determining Hauptanwendungen involves analyzing user needs, business goals, and market demand. Criteria include the core functions that deliver the most value, the workflows that are central to operations, the expected frequency of use, and the financial impact. The set of Hauptanwendungen can vary by customer segment, region, or industry and may evolve over the product life cycle.

Examples across domains: In software, the Hauptanwendungen of a customer relationship management system are typically contact management, activity tracking, and reporting; in a multifunction printer, printing and scanning are primary tasks, while faxing or network scanning may be secondary; in a mobile device, communication and access to information are often treated as core applications with other features supporting them.

Documentation and planning: Teams describe Hauptanwendungen in use cases or value propositions to guide development, testing, and marketing. This focus helps prevent feature creep and ensures that resources align with what users rely on most. The identification of Hauptanwendungen is revisited during major releases or when strategic shifts occur.