behovsav

Behovsav is a term found in some Swedish-language discussions of design, policy making, and social services. It is used to describe a needs-centered analytical approach in which the focus is on identifying and addressing the needs of individuals or communities when developing products, services, or public programs. The word is formed from behov (need) and av, a preposition linking the concept to a domain or method.

In practice, behovsav can refer to frameworks, methodologies, or mindsets that aim to uncover what people truly require, prioritize those needs, and translate them into concrete offerings or policies. The concept overlaps with needs analysis, user-centered design, and service design, but there is no universal definition or standardized methodology. Depending on the author or field, behovsav may emphasize empathic research to reveal latent needs, data-driven prioritization of resources, or inclusive decision-making involving stakeholders.

Contextual and localized usage means that discussions of behovsav are not uniform across disciplines. In public administration, it is sometimes discussed as part of a shift from supply-led to needs-led policy design, seeking to allocate resources to areas with the greatest or most urgent needs. Because the term is not widely adopted in international scholarship, readers should consult the specific text to understand how the author defines and applies behovsav.

See also: behov, behovsanalys, användarcentrerad design, service design, public policy.