brugkaders

Brugkader is a Danish term that translates roughly as "usage frame" or "frame of use." In design, systems engineering, and policy development it refers to a structured description of the contexts in which a product, service, or regulation is intended to operate. A brugkader defines the typical user groups, tasks, environmental conditions, and constraints that shape how something should be used. The term emphasizes boundaries and expectations rather than the detailed steps of operation.

A brugkader typically includes several components: the scope of use, user personas or roles, key tasks or scenarios, environmental or technical conditions, safety and compliance constraints, and performance criteria. By codifying these elements, teams can align requirements, testing, and evaluation with real-world use.

Applications are common in software development, consumer electronics, medical devices, and public services. For example, a brugkader for a mobile banking app might specify offline access, biometric authentication, accessibility requirements, and regions with regulatory constraints. Another brugkader for a clinical decision support system could delineate allowed users, data privacy needs, alert thresholds, and integration with other health information systems.

Relation to other concepts: brugkader are related to use cases, user journeys, and design frameworks but focus on contextual boundaries of use. They serve as a planning tool to prevent scope creep and to ensure that development remains aligned with real-world use.

See also: use case, user journey, design framework, scenarios.