gebruiksgerichte

Ge bruiksgerichte is a Dutch adjective used to describe approaches, producten, or policies that prioritize how something is used by people. The term is commonly found in Dutch design, productontwikkeling, and public administration, signaling that user needs, contexts, and behaviors guide decision-making.

The etymology combines gebruik (use) with gericht (directed at), with the prefix ge- forming a participial adjective. Gebruiksgerichte phrases are used to qualify ontwerpen, services, or regulations, conveying a focus on real-use situations rather than purely technical or internal considerations.

In design and service development, gebruiksgerichte work emphasizes usability, accessibility, and context of use. It means creating products or services that fit how users actually operate them in daily life, including diverse abilities and environments. In policy and governance, it implies designing processes and services around the needs and capabilities of citizens, rather than around organizational workflows alone. In education and training, gebruiksgerichte curricula stress practical application and transfer to real tasks.

Common methods associated with gebruiksgerichte approaches include user research, usability testing, context-of-use analysis, journey mapping, and participatory or co-design processes. These methods help ensure solutions align with user goals, constraints, and preferences, and are evaluated in real-world settings.

Ge bruiksgerichte is thus a broad, user-focused orientation rather than a single discipline. It is used to advocate for outcomes that are usable, inclusive, and meaningful in everyday practice, across sectors and disciplines. Related concepts include usability, user-centered design, human-centered design, and participatory design.