The term “End User” primarily refers to the individual or group who directly utilizes a product, system, or service, especially in the technological context. They play a critical role in managing information systems due to their unique needs and preferences. Their feedback often drives product improvement and development. End users also have a significant influence on security[1] measures, as they can often be targeted in cyber threats such as phishing attacks. Furthermore, end users are subject to certain legal aspects, such as compliance with end-user license agreements and defense trade controls. Understanding and catering to the end user’s needs is crucial for a product or service’s success. In essence, the end user is the final consumer[2] in the production chain, whose satisfaction determines the product’s success.
In product development, an end user (sometimes end-user) is a person who ultimately uses or is intended to ultimately use a product. The end user stands in contrast to users who support or maintain the product, such as sysops, system administrators, database administrators, information technology (IT) experts, software professionals, and computer technicians. End users typically do not possess the technical understanding or skill of the product designers, a fact easily overlooked and forgotten by designers: leading to features creating low customer satisfaction. In information technology, end users are not customers in the usual sense—they are typically employees of the customer. For example, if a large retail corporation buys a software package for its employees to use, even though the large retail corporation was the customer that purchased the software, the end users are the employees of the company, who will use the software at work.