kravingenjör

Kravingenjör is a neologism used in tech discourse to describe a designer, engineer, or product team member who intentionally engineers cravings in users to maximize engagement, retention, and monetization. The term is figurative and not a formal job title; it appears mainly in critical commentary on digital platforms and product management.

Etymology: The compound seems to derive from the English word "craving" and the Swedish word "ingenjör" (engineer), united as "kravingenjör." The form is chiefly found in Scandinavian discussions of user experience and product ethics. Variants include "kraving-ingenjör" or "craving engineer" in English-language texts.

Role and methods: A kravingenjör is said to design features and flows that trigger and sustain cravings—for example, regular notifications, variable reward schedules, infinite scroll, social feedback loops, personalized recommendations, and gamified milestones. The aim is to increase time spent in an app, data collection, and ad or subscription revenue. Professionals may use A/B testing, analytics, and behavioral insights to refine prompts, rewards, and friction points.

Ethics and criticism: Critics argue that kravingenjör-like practices can exploit psychological vulnerabilities, contribute to addiction, and bypass genuine user choice. Proponents may frame these techniques as effective product optimization or persuasion engineering. The term is often invoked in discussions about humane technology, digital well-being, and regulatory oversight such as privacy protections and interface transparency.

Impact and usage: The concept is used in academic debates, journalism, and industry analyses to critique or examine the ethics of design practices. It is not an official certification or occupation, and usage varies by language and context. Related terms include persuasive technology, dark patterns, and behavioral design.