Synbehov

Synbehov, literally "vision needs" in Swedish, is a term used to describe the requirements and considerations related to visual perception and sight. It appears primarily in Swedish-language discourse within design, accessibility, healthcare, and urban planning to ensure environments, products, and services are usable by people with varying visual abilities. The concept is closely linked to synhälsa (eye health) and synförmåga (visual ability) and serves as a reminder that visual access is a core aspect of usability and well-being.

In practice, synbehov informs decisions on typography, colour contrast, lighting, and signage. For digital products, it underpins accessible design: scalable text, high contrast, keyboard and screen-reader compatibility, and alt text. In physical spaces, it guides signage placement, wayfinding, glare reduction, and lighting to aid people with low vision, color deficiencies, or tunnel vision.

Policy and planning contexts occasionally use synbehov to frame requirements for universal design and accessibility standards. It supports a user-centred approach by foregrounding the visual dimension of usability and health in services, education, and public environments.

Critically, the term's scope varies by context and is less formal outside Swedish discourse. Effective application relies on user involvement, expert guidance, and testing with representatives of vision-impaired groups to identify concrete needs.