anvendeligheten

Anvendeligheten, literally "the usefulness" or "the applicability," is a concept used to describe how suitable or feasible a tool, method, idea, or policy is for real-world application. In Norwegian usage it denotes whether something can be effectively applied outside a controlled or initial setting, and is distinct from brukbarhet (usability), which focuses on ease of use.

Key dimensions include the breadth of applicability (how widely it can be used across contexts), transferability (ability to be adapted to different settings), scalability (potential to grow), and compatibility with existing systems and workflows. It also encompasses practical considerations such as required resources, costs, maintenance, and the need for training or specialized expertise.

Assessment often proceeds through needs analysis, pilot implementations, or case studies, followed by feasibility and cost-benefit analyses. Evidence of effectiveness across multiple settings, or in a range of conditions, increases perceived anvendeligheten. The term is especially important in product design, software development, policy making, and research, where theoretical value must be translated into practical impact.

Related concepts include relevance, feasibility, and usability; while brukbarhet emphasizes user interaction, anvendeligheten emphasizes usefulness and adaptability in real-world contexts. In research fields, higher anvendeligheten corresponds to strong external validity or transferability, indicating that results are likely to generalize beyond the original study.