bruikscomfort

Bruikscomfort is a concept in product design and human–computer interaction used to describe the overall ease and satisfaction of using a product or system. It combines physical ergonomics, cognitive ease, and contextual factors to capture how comfortable users feel during use. The term is most commonly found in Dutch-speaking design discourse and is often treated as a complement to usability and user experience.

Origin and scope

Bruikscomfort is employed to emphasize the enduring comfort of interaction rather than isolated performance measures. It is used by designers and researchers to assess how well a product supports sustained, stress-free use across diverse contexts, interfaces, and user groups. While not always codified into formal standards, it serves as a practical goal in user-centered design processes.

Dimensions

Bruikscomfort encompasses several interrelated dimensions: physical comfort (ergonomic fit, posture, minimization of strain); cognitive comfort (clarity, predictability, reduced mental effort); interaction comfort (responsive controls, intuitive gestures); sensory comfort (acoustic and visual comfort, thermal conditions); and environmental or contextual comfort (lighting, noise, social setting). Together, these aspects aim to reduce fatigue and frustration while enhancing satisfaction during use.

Measurement and evaluation

Assessment typically relies on user feedback collected through surveys or interviews, task-based studies, and sometimes adapted usability scales. Objective metrics such as task completion time, error rates, and physiological indicators may also be considered. Because comfort is subjective and context-dependent, evaluation often combines qualitative and quantitative data.

Applications and relation to accessibility

Bruikscomfort informs the design of consumer electronics, software interfaces, automotive interiors, furniture, and workplace tools. It aligns with accessibility principles by considering diverse physical abilities, cognitive styles, and environmental conditions, striving to make products comfortable for a broad user base.

Critique

A primary critique is the lack of a universal definition, which can hinder comparability across studies. Cultural differences and personal preferences also influence assessments, making standardized measurement challenging.