Konseptiävä

Konseptiävä is a neologism used in Finnish design discourse to describe a concept-centric method of evaluating and refining ideas by integrating narrative scenarios with early-stage concept work. It is not a formally codified framework; rather, it appears in academic articles, design blogs, and workshop notes as a descriptive approach to concept viability.

Origin and meaning: The term combines the Finnish konsepti (concept) with a suffix that denotes a process-oriented attribute. Because it is a relatively new coinage, there is no single authoritative definition, and interpretations vary between authors.

Core ideas and workflow: Konseptiävä emphasizes creating plausible futures for a concept through short stories, user journeys, and lightweight representations such as visuals or mockups. Teams assess how well the concept resonates with users, its technical feasibility, and potential business value. The method aims to surface assumptions early and guide iterations through narrative feedback rather than relying solely on numbers or formal prototypes.

Applications: It is used in design education, innovation labs, and early-stage product development in contexts where teams want to align concept direction with human needs and market reality.

Reception and limitations: As a loosely defined term, konseptiävä lacks standardized metrics. Proponents value its emphasis on narrative and empathy; critics caution that without clear criteria, it risks vague judgments. The term remains primarily in Finnish-language sources and niche design communities.