What is ISO 9241-110 about?
ISO 9241-110 discusses the ergonomics of human-system interaction. ISO 9241-110 describes principles for interaction between a user and a system that is formulated in general terms (i.e. independent of situations of use, application, environment or technology). This document provides a framework for applying those interaction principles and the general design recommendations for interactive systems.
While ISO 9241-110 is applicable to all types of interactive systems, it does not cover the specifics of every application domain (e.g., safety-critical systems, collaborative work, artificial intelligence features). ISO 9241-110 focuses on interaction principles related to the design of interactions between the user and the interactive system.
Note: ISO 9241-110 does not consider any other aspect of design such as marketing, aesthetics, and corporate identity.
Who is ISO 9241-110 for?
ISO 9241-110 on ergonomics of human-system interaction is useful for:
- Software designers
- Software developers
- Quality control personnel
- Analysts
- Buyers of the interactive system
Why should you use ISO 9241-110?
ISO 9241-110 describes interaction principles (formerly referred to as "dialogue principles") and general design recommendations which are independent of any specific interaction technique, and which are applicable in the analysis, design, and evaluation of interactive systems.
The general design recommendations in ISO 9241-110 are derived from a combination of ergonomics research and various sources of general and heuristic guidance.
The principles in ISO 9241-110, and recommendations will help your user to avoid experiencing usability problems such as adding unnecessary steps not required as part of the task, misleading information, insufficient and poor information on the user interface, unexpected responses of the interactive system (including those leading to harm from use), navigational limitations during use, and inefficient error recovery.
ISO 9241-110 guidelines are designed to enable users of your interface to have a better experience while using it. A satisfying user experience translates into increased sales, customer satisfaction and loyalty, as well as decreased costs of providing service.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN ISO 9241110:2020 supersedes BS EN ISO 9241110:2006, which is withdrawn. BS EN ISO 9241110:2020 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN ISO 9241110:2006. These include:
- The principle of individualization has been merged into the principle of controllability
- A new principle on user engagement has been developed
- Existing principles and general design recommendations have been revised