kasutusmeline

Kasutusmeline is an Estonian adjective formed from the noun kasutus (use, usage) and the suffix -meline, which conveys the idea of "having the quality of" or "resembling." The term is used to describe objects, designs, and approaches that prioritize practical use and ease of operation over ornamentation or form alone.

In design, architecture and product development, kasutusmeline describes a mindset or outcome oriented toward functionality, durability, and user-friendliness. A kasutusmeline design typically emphasizes clear interfaces, minimal clutter, and straightforward operation, with the aim of making the user’s tasks efficient and intuitive. The concept is often discussed in contrast to aesthetics-driven design, though in practice many projects strive to balance both form and function.

Common collocations include kasutusmeline disain (functional design), kasutusmeline lähenemine (practical, usage-oriented approach) and kasutusmeline eesmärk (practical objective). The word can be used to critique or praise a product or method, depending on whether the emphasis on usability aligns with the user’s needs.

Nuance and usage notes: kasutusmeline carries a pragmatic connotation and is more frequent in design, ergonomics, and usability discourse than in everyday speech. It is synonymous with or close in meaning to funktsionaalne and praktiline, though kasutusmeline specifically foregrounds use-focused practicality.

See also: functional design, usability, ergonomics.