Näkökulmaneli

Näkökulmaneli is a Finnish term that translates to "perspective square" or "viewpoint square." It is a concept used in the context of design, user experience, and problem-solving to encourage a comprehensive understanding of a situation by considering it from multiple, distinct angles. The idea is to move beyond a single, limited perspective and explore how different stakeholders, users, or aspects of a problem might perceive or interact with a given scenario.

Typically, a näkökulmaneli involves identifying four key perspectives. While the specific perspectives can vary depending on the context, common examples include the user's perspective, the business's perspective, the technical perspective, and the ethical or societal perspective. By systematically analyzing each of these viewpoints, individuals or teams can identify potential conflicts, uncover hidden opportunities, and develop more robust and well-rounded solutions.

The application of näkökulmaneli can be seen in various fields. In product design, it helps ensure that a product is not only technically feasible and profitable but also meets user needs and aligns with ethical considerations. In urban planning, it can be used to assess the impact of a development on residents, businesses, infrastructure, and the environment. The core principle is to foster empathy and critical thinking by actively seeking out and integrating diverse viewpoints. This structured approach helps to mitigate biases and leads to more considered and effective outcomes.