ISO 9241

Definition

ISO 9241 is an international standard that provides guidelines and requirements for the ergonomic design of human-computer interfaces. It aims to improve usability and user experience by addressing factors such as user satisfaction, effectiveness, and efficiency. This standard is essential for ensuring that products are designed with the end-user in mind, which relates closely to usability testing, inclusive design, and various usability testing methods.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ISO 9241 encompasses multiple parts, each addressing different aspects of usability and ergonomics in interface design.
2. The standard emphasizes the importance of user involvement in the design process to ensure that products meet real user needs and expectations.
3. It provides a framework for conducting usability testing by establishing criteria that can be measured to assess user interaction with a product.
4. ISO 9241 highlights the need for inclusive design practices, ensuring that products are usable by a wide range of people, including those with disabilities.
5. Adhering to ISO 9241 can lead to better product acceptance, reduce training time, and enhance overall user satisfaction.

Review Questions

• How does ISO 9241 contribute to the effectiveness of usability testing practices?
  • ISO 9241 contributes to usability testing by providing established criteria and guidelines for assessing user interaction. This helps ensure that testing methods focus on real user needs and experiences. By following these guidelines, designers can create tests that accurately measure usability attributes such as efficiency, effectiveness, and user satisfaction.
• In what ways does ISO 9241 promote inclusive design and address the needs of diverse user groups?
  • ISO 9241 promotes inclusive design by emphasizing the importance of understanding different user contexts and abilities. The standard encourages designers to involve users from various backgrounds in the design process to ensure that products are accessible and usable by everyone. By following ISO 9241, designers can identify barriers faced by users with disabilities and incorporate solutions to improve usability for all.
• Evaluate how ISO 9241 influences the development of usability testing methods in relation to ergonomic principles.
  • ISO 9241 significantly influences the development of usability testing methods by integrating ergonomic principles into the evaluation process. By aligning testing methods with ergonomic standards, designers can ensure that their products are not only functional but also comfortable and efficient for users. This alignment helps create a more holistic approach to usability testing that prioritizes both user satisfaction and system performance, leading to better overall design outcomes.

Related terms

Usability: The ease of use and learnability of a human-made object, often related to how well users can achieve their goals when interacting with a product.

Human Factors: The study of how humans interact with systems, focusing on optimizing user performance and well-being through better design.

Accessibility: The design of products, devices, services, or environments for people with disabilities or special needs, ensuring that they can interact effectively and comfortably.