skenbehov

Skenbehov is a term used in Swedish discourse to describe an apparent or perceived need that may not correspond to an actual underlying demand. The word combines sken, meaning appearance or semblance, with behov, meaning need. In practice, skenbehov is used to discuss needs that arise from social influence, marketing, or situational cues rather than from essential or durable requirements.

The concept is commonly applied in marketing, design, public administration, and user research. It helps distinguish between needs that are genuinely valuable to users or citizens and those that are only temporarily reinforced by campaigns, trends, or peer pressure. For example, a consumer might feel compelled to upgrade a device because promotions and social signaling create an apparent need, even though their current device remains functional. In policy contexts, a perceived demand for a new service can reflect public image concerns or political incentives rather than an established need.

Identifying skenbehov involves careful needs assessment and research methods such as qualitative interviews, field observations, and data triangulation. By focusing on outcomes, value, and real constraints, practitioners can separate genuine needs from appearances. In design thinking and service design, addressing skenbehov encourages teams to probe deeper into user goals, contexts, and optional trade-offs, potentially avoiding unnecessary features or investments.

Critics note that the boundary between apparent and real needs can be fluid, and the term should not stigmatize legitimate user concerns. Used thoughtfully, skenbehov can inform more rigorous needs analysis and resource allocation, while acknowledging the influence of social and contextual factors on perceived demand. See also: latent needs, user needs, jobs to be done.