laienuse

Laienuse denotes the practice or phenomenon where laypeople—people without professional training—use a tool, system, or service. In discourse on usability and access, laienuse emphasizes how non-experts interact with technology in everyday contexts.

Etymology and scope: The term is not standardized in major dictionaries and appears mainly in scholarly or design-oriented writing. It is generally treated as a compound that signals lay audience engagement, sometimes compared with professional or expert use.

Examples and domains: Consumer electronics, home medical devices, software with consumer-oriented interfaces, and DIY or maker projects are common contexts for discussions of laienuse. In these areas, designers consider intuitive interfaces, error tolerance, clear help resources, and safe fail states to support lay use.

Criticism and debate: Some critics warn that the term can blur professional standards or misjudge capabilities of non-experts. Proponents argue that focusing on laienuse helps improve inclusivity and reduces barriers to entry.

See also: Usability, universal design, human-centered design, digital literacy, consumer safety.