laagrisicovriendelijke

Laagrisicovriendelijke is a Dutch neologism used to describe products, services, or policies designed to minimize risk for users while remaining accessible and easy to use. The term blends laag risico (low risk) with vriendelijk (friendly), signaling a protective, user-centered approach that prioritizes safety, clarity, and controllability.

Origin and usage: The word is relatively new and increasingly appears in consumer policy, finance, technology, and health and safety discourse. It is typically applied as an evaluative criterion rather than a formal standard, used to label offerings that aim to reduce potential harm without unduly limiting choice.

Applications: In finance, laagrisicovriendelijke beleggingsproducten emphasize capital preservation and predictable returns. In digital services, interfaces that minimize errors through safe defaults, clear warnings, and straightforward workflows fall under the concept. In health and safety contexts, procedures are designed to limit exposure to harm; in data privacy, settings default to stronger protections with transparent consent.

Benefits and criticisms: Proponents argue the approach improves accessibility, trust, and decision-making for risk-averse users. Critics warn that the term can be vague, masking residual risk or encouraging risk avoidance that hampers innovation. Effective use relies on clear definitions, measurable criteria, and honest communication of residual risk.

See also: risk management; user experience; low-risk investments; safety by design; privacy by design.