EN ISO 9241-971:2022
(Main)Ergonomics of human-system interaction - Part 971: Accessibility of tactile/haptic interactive systems (ISO 9241-971:2020)
Ergonomics of human-system interaction - Part 971: Accessibility of tactile/haptic interactive systems (ISO 9241-971:2020)
This document provides both general and specific ergonomic requirements and recommendations for accessible tactile/haptic interactive systems, including accessible tactile/haptic interactions.
This document provides guidance for increasing the accessibility of interactive systems making use of tactile/haptic input/output modalities such as gestures, vibration, and force feedback. The guidance provided also supports alternative input modalities and the use of different output representations.
This document provides guidance for tactile/haptic interactions that is applicable to a variety of interactive systems, including assistive technologies (AT).
Ergonomie der Mensch-System-Interaktion - Teil 971: Leitlinien für physische (taktile/haptische) Barrierefreiheit (ISO 9241-971:2020)
Dieses Dokument enthält sowohl allgemeine als auch spezifische ergonomische Anforderungen und Empfehlungen für barrierefreie taktile/haptische interaktive Systeme einschließlich barrierefreier taktiler/haptischer Interaktionen.
Dieses Dokument gibt Leitlinien für die Verbesserung der Barrierefreiheit interaktiver Systeme, bei denen taktile/haptische Ein /Ausgabe-Interaktionsmodalitäten wie Gesten, Vibration und Kraftrückmeldung genutzt werden. Die hier enthaltenen Leitlinien unterstützen auch alternative Eingabemodalitäten und die Verwendung unterschiedlicher Darstellungen der Ausgabesignale.
Dieses Dokument gibt Leitlinien für taktile/haptische Interaktionen, die für unterschiedliche interaktive Systeme gelten, einschließlich unterstützende Techniken (AT, en: assistive technologies).
Ergonomie de l'interaction homme-système - Partie 971: Accessibilité des systèmes interactifs tactiles/haptiques (ISO 9241-971:2020)
Le présent document fournit des exigences et recommandations ergonomiques générales et spécifiques pour les systèmes interactifs tactiles/haptiques accessibles, y compris les interactions tactiles/haptiques accessibles.
Le présent document fournit des recommandations pour améliorer l’accessibilité des systèmes interactifs utilisant des modalités d’entrée/de sortie tactiles/haptiques telles que les gestes, les vibrations et le retour d’effort. Les recommandations fournies prennent également en charge d’autres modalités d’entrée et l’utilisation de différentes représentations de sortie.
Le présent document fournit des recommandations pour les interactions tactiles/haptiques qui sont applicables à différents systèmes interactifs, y compris les technologies d’assistance (TA).
Ergonomija medsebojnega vpliva človek-sistem - 971. del: Dostopnost taktilnih/haptičnih interaktivnih sistemov (ISO 9241-971:2020)
Ta dokument vsebuje splošne in posebne ergonomske zahteve ter priporočila za dostopne tipne/haptične interaktivne sisteme, vključno z dostopnimi tipnimi/haptičnimi interakcijami.
Ta dokument vsebuje napotke za povečanje dostopnosti interaktivnih sistemov z uporabo tipnih/haptičnih vhodnih/izhodnih modalitet, kot so kretnje, vibracije in učinek povratne sile. Ti napotki se navezujejo tudi na nadomestne vhodne modalitete in uporabo drugih izhodnih oblik.
Ta dokument vsebuje napotke za tipne/haptične interakcije, ki se uporabljajo za različne interaktivne sisteme, vključno s podpornimi tehnologijami (AT).
General Information
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-julij-2022
Ergonomija medsebojnega vpliva človek-sistem - 971. del: Dostopnost
taktilnih/haptičnih interaktivnih sistemov (ISO 9241-971:2020)
Ergonomics of human-system interaction - Part 971: Accessibility of tactile/haptic
interactive systems (ISO 9241-971:2020)
Ergonomie der Mensch-System-Interaktion - Teil 971: Leitlinien für physische
(taktile/haptische) Barrierefreiheit (ISO 9241-971:2020)
Ergonomie de l'interaction homme-système - Partie 971: Accessibilité des systèmes
interactifs tactiles/haptiques (ISO 9241-971:2020)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 9241-971:2022
ICS:
13.180 Ergonomija Ergonomics
35.180 Terminalska in druga IT Terminal and other
periferna oprema IT peripheral equipment
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EN ISO 9241-971
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
March 2022
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 13.180; 35.180
English Version
Ergonomics of human-system interaction - Part 971:
Accessibility of tactile/haptic interactive systems (ISO
9241-971:2020)
Ergonomie de l'interaction homme-système - Partie Ergonomie der Mensch-System-Interaktion - Teil 971:
971: Accessibilité des systèmes interactifs Leitlinien für physische (taktile/haptische)
tactiles/haptiques (ISO 9241-971:2020) Barrierefreiheit (ISO 9241-971:2020)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 13 March 2022.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2022 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 9241-971:2022 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
European foreword
The text of ISO 9241-971:2020 has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 159 "Ergonomics” of
the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and has been taken over as EN ISO 9241-
971:2022 by Technical Committee CEN/TC 122 “Ergonomics” the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by September 2022, and conflicting national standards
shall be withdrawn at the latest by September 2022.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the
United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 9241-971:2020 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 9241-971:2022 without any
modification.
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 9241-971
First edition
2020-12
Ergonomics of human-system
interaction —
Part 971:
Accessibility of tactile/haptic
interactive systems
Ergonomie de l'interaction homme-système —
Partie 971: Accessibilité des systèmes interactifs tactiles/haptiques
Reference number
ISO 9241-971:2020(E)
©
ISO 2020
ISO 9241-971:2020(E)
© ISO 2020
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
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Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved
ISO 9241-971:2020(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Conformity . 3
5 Physical accessibility . 3
6 General requirements and recommendations . 4
6.1 Compatibility with other standards . 4
6.1.1 General. 4
6.1.2 Hardware accessibility. 4
6.1.3 Software accessibility . 4
6.2 Approachability of tactile/haptic interactive systems . 4
6.2.1 Size and space for approach and use of tactile/haptic interactive systems . 4
6.2.2 Reachability . 4
6.2.3 Reachability by remote control . 5
6.2.4 Stability . 5
6.3 Presentation of tactile/haptic information . 5
6.3.1 Presentation of physical information . . 5
6.3.2 Multiple formats for presenting tactile/haptic information . 5
6.3.3 Encoding of tactile/haptic information . 5
6.3.4 Contextual interference with tactile/haptic presentations . 6
6.4 Perceivability of tactile/haptic information . 6
6.4.1 General. 6
6.4.2 Discoverability of tactile/haptic components and controls . 6
6.4.3 Distinction between tactile/haptic components or controls . 6
6.4.4 Pausing and repeating tactile/haptic information . 6
6.4.5 Speed of tactile/haptic information . 7
6.4.6 Location of tactile output . 7
6.5 Controllability of tactile/haptic interactions . 7
6.5.1 Controllability . 7
6.5.2 Support of sequential control . 7
6.5.3 Physical attributes of tactile/haptic controls . 7
6.5.4 Activating tactile/haptic controls . 7
6.5.5 Force for activating physical controls . 8
6.5.6 Continuous force for activating physical controls . 8
6.5.7 Physical movements . 8
6.5.8 Activating controls without hands . 8
6.5.9 Activating controls with only one hand . 8
6.5.10 Timing of activating physical controls . 8
6.5.11 Taking breaks . 9
6.6 Individualization of tactile/haptic interactions. 9
6.6.1 Individualization . 9
6.6.2 Individualizing tactile/haptic parameters . 9
6.6.3 Identifying the current parameter values . 9
6.6.4 Default parameter values .10
6.6.5 Reverting to original default parameter values .10
6.6.6 Saving modifications of parameter values .10
6.6.7 Loading saved parameter values .10
6.6.8 Changing individualized parameter values .10
6.6.9 Optimizing the number of adjustable parameters .10
6.7 Error tolerance of tactile/haptic interactions .10
ISO 9241-971:2020(E)
6.7.1 Error tolerance .10
6.7.2 Avoiding unintentional activation of physical controls .11
6.7.3 Providing warnings on potentially dangerous actions .11
6.7.4 Ignoring harmless actions .11
6.7.5 Undoing unintended or incorrect activations .11
6.8 Tactile/haptic safety .11
6.8.1 Safety .11
6.8.2 Avoiding sensory overstimulation .12
6.8.3 Avoiding sensory overloads .12
6.8.4 Avoiding fatigue and repetitive stress injuries .12
6.8.5 Avoiding positioning and over extension injuries .12
6.8.6 Safe interaction with device .12
6.8.7 Avoiding damage to the system .13
6.9 Tactile/haptic authentication .13
6.9.1 Security and authentication .13
6.9.2 Accessible authentication .13
6.9.3 Alternatives to biometrics .13
7 Input specific requirements and recommendations .13
7.1 Keyboard specific guidance.13
7.1.1 Text as a basis for interoperability .13
7.1.2 Provision of keyboard equivalent inputs .14
7.1.3 The design of physical keys .14
7.1.4 Modifier key functions .14
7.1.5 Virtual keyboards .14
7.2 Pointing device specific guidance .14
7.2.1 Avoiding need for fine motor skills .15
7.3 Motion tracking specific guidance .15
7.4 Gesture specific guidance .15
7.4.1 Considerations for gestures .15
7.4.2 Considerations for gesture controls .15
7.5 Single-switch specific guidance .16
7.5.1 General.16
7.5.2 Single switch devices and time-dependent actions .16
7.5.3 Simultaneous multi-device input guidance .16
8 Output specific guidance .16
8.1 Vibration specific guidance .16
8.1.1 Combinations of modalities .16
8.1.2 Simultaneous multi-device output .17
8.1.3 Simultaneous multimodal output .17
8.1.4 Error .17
8.1.5 Illusion .17
8.1.6 Avoiding conflicting information .17
8.2 Masking .17
8.2.1 Temporal and spatial masking .17
8.2.2 Adaptation to saturation stimulation .18
8.3 Braille specific guidance .18
8.3.1 Considerations for tactile labels .18
8.3.2 Use of braille .18
8.3.3 Tactile cursor in braille supporting systems .18
8.3.4 Editing braille text .18
8.3.5 Refreshing braille text .19
8.3.6 Exploration of information when using braille .19
8.3.7 Evaluation of braille supporting systems .19
Bibliography .20
iv © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved
ISO 9241-971:2020(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 159, Ergonomics, Subcommittee SC 4,
Ergonomics of human-system interaction.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
A list of all parts in the ISO 9241 series can be found on the ISO website.
ISO 9241-971:2020(E)
Introduction
The tactile/haptic modality is the most widely used modality for inputs to interactive systems and is
used as an important output modality for many contexts of use. Often, haptic devices and applications
are designed for the “typical” or “average” user. It is important that interactive systems and their designs
follow general ergonomic practice as well as meet the widest range of user needs, characteristics, and
capabilities for tactile/haptic interactions.
Examples of the use of tactile/haptic inputs range from the use of keyboards, pointing devices (such
as a mouse or track pad) and direct touch (gestures) to the use of non-touch gestures, eye-tracking,
single-switch inputs, and whole-body movements. Examples of tactile/haptic outputs include the use of
vibration and tactile pattern (e.g. braille) outputs. Tactile/haptic inputs/outputs can be combined (e.g.
force feedback systems).
Achieving accessibility involves good ergonomic practice. This document works with other ISO and
ISO/IEC standards relating to tactile/haptic interactions (such as ISO 9241-910, ISO 9241-920 and
ISO 9241-960) and to accessibility (such as ISO 9241-171 and ISO/IEC 29136) to collect tactile/haptic-
related accessibility requirements and recommendations and to provide more specific guidance
relating to the accessibility of tactile/haptic interactions. It provides a means of addressing tactile/
haptic-related user needs from ISO/IEC 29138-1. As such, it is intended to provide a comprehensive
source of guidance on tactile/haptic accessibility.
vi © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 9241-971:2020(E)
Ergonomics of human-system interaction —
Part 971:
Accessibility of tactile/haptic interactive systems
1 Scope
This document provides both general and specific ergonomic requirements and recommendations for
accessible tactile/haptic interactive systems, including accessible tactile/haptic interactions.
This document provides guidance for increasing the accessibility of interactive systems making use of
tactile/haptic input/output modalities such as gestures, vibration, and force feedback. The guidance
provided also supports alternative input modalities and the use of different output representations.
This document provides guidance for tactile/haptic interactions that is applicable to a variety of
interactive systems, including assistive technologies (AT).
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 9241-171, Ergonomics of human-system interaction — Part 171: Guidance on software accessibility
ISO/IEC 29136, Information technology — User interfaces — Accessibility of personal computer hardware
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http:// www .iso .org/ obp
3.1
accessibility
extent to which products, systems, services, environments and facilities can be used by people from a
population with the widest range of user needs, characteristics and capabilities to achieve identified
goals in identified contexts of use
Note 1 to entry: Context of use includes direct use or use supported by assistive technologies.
[SOURCE: ISO 9241-112:2017, 3.15]
3.2
assistive technology
AT
hardware or software added to, or incorporated within, a system that increases accessibility for an
individual
EXAMPLE Braille display, screen reader, screen magnification software, eye tracking devices.
ISO 9241-971:2020(E)
[SOURCE: ISO 9241-171:2008, 3.5]
3.3
tactile
appertaining to touch
[SOURCE: ISO 9241-910:2011, 2.5]
3.4
haptic
appertaining to haptics (3.5)
Note 1 to entry: While there is no difference between haptic and tactile (3.3) in most dictionary definitions, in the
area of haptics, researchers and developers use haptic to include all haptic sensations, while tactile is limited to
mechanical stimulation of the skin. In ISO 9241, the word haptic covers all touch sensations and tactile is used in
a more specific manner. Also, both terms can be used together to assist in searches.
[SOURCE: ISO 9241-910:2011, 2.2]
3.5
haptics
sensory and/or motor activity based in the skin, muscles, joints and tendons
Note 1 to entry: Haptics consists of two parts: touch and kinaesthesis.
[SOURCE: ISO 9241-910:2011, 2.1]
3.6
force feedback
force presented to and detected by a user
Note 1 to entry: Although this does not necessarily involve feedback, the term “force feedback” is commonly used
in this context.
[SOURCE: ISO 9241-910:2011, 2.9]
3.7
gesture
movement or posture, of the whole body or parts of the body
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 30113-1:2015, 3.1]
3.8
interactive system
combination of hardware and/or software and/or services and/or people that users interact with in
order to achieve specific goals
Note 1 to entry: This includes, where appropriate, packaging, user documentation, on-line and human help,
support, and training.
[SOURCE: ISO 9241-11:2018, 3.1.5]
3.9
tactile cursor
tactile indication of where the user interaction via input device (e.g. keyboard or equivalent) occurs
3.10
sensory overload
user’s experience where sensory experiences from the environment are too great for the individual’s
nervous system to successfully process or make meaning from
2 © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved
ISO 9241-971:2020(E)
3.11
personal computer
microcomputer primarily intended for stand-alone use by an individual
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 29136:2012, 3.5]
3.12
reach envelope
three-dimensional space in which a person can reach an interface without discomfort
with respect to a specified user position
Note 1 to entry: Different users can use different body parts such as the arm, leg or head to reach for an object
while sitting or standing.
Note 2 to entry: Users can augment their reach envelope using different assistive technologies, prosthetics or tools.
4 Conformity
If an organization claims conformity with this document, then the decisions about how it addresses the
requirements and recommendations in this document or the justifications for any course of action that
deviates from any of the recommendations shall be documented.
Documentation of a claim of conformity with this document shall be specific about the basis on which
the claim is made and shall provide evidence to support the claim. An organization can claim conformity
based on a self-assessment or an assessment carried out by another party.
5 Physical accessibility
While most users can use tactile/haptic interactions to some extent, users vary considerably in their
tactile/haptic capabilities. Some important tactile/haptic capabilities which can vary across users and
across contexts of use include:
a) reach;
b) range of motion;
c) accuracy of motion;
d) coordination of motion;
e) speed of interaction;
f) strength;
g) stamina/endurance;
h) sensitivity to physical stimulation;
i) attention to physical stimulation;
j) processing of the physical stimuli.
While there can be many causes for limitations in these capabilities, the important goal for developers
of tactile/haptic interactions is to create systems that remain accessible despite any such limitations.
ISO 9241-971:2020(E)
6 General requirements and recommendations
6.1 Compatibility with other standards
6.1.1 General
This document is intended to work with other more general International Standards.
NOTE 1 The main International Standards dealing with the ergonomics of tactile and haptic interactions are
ISO 9241-910 and ISO 9241-920.
NOTE 2 International Standards dealing with the accessibility of interactive systems are identified in various
sub-clauses below.
6.1.2 Hardware accessibility
ISO/IEC 29136 shall apply for issues relating to personal computer hardware.
6.1.3 Software accessibility
ISO 9241-171 shall apply for issues relating to software accessibility.
6.2 Approachability of tactile/haptic interactive systems
6.2.1 Size and space for approach and use of tactile/haptic interactive systems
The environment of use should provide people with the widest range of user needs, characteristics and
capabilities with:
a) adequate room to fit themselves and their assistive products or assistive technologies;
b) an accessible path and a means to position oneself within reach of installed products;
c) the ability to adjust the location and position of devices and controls.
NOTE 1 ISO/IEC Guide 71 describes the goal of approachability as “a system is approachable if diverse users
can overcome any physical or psychological barriers and physically or remotely access it to accomplish the task”.
NOTE 2 Further approachability-related user accessibility needs applying to tactile/haptic interactions are
found in ISO/IEC 29138-1 and other International Standards and in related research literature.
NOTE 3 ISO 9241-500:2018, 4.2.3, states that “an environment of use shall be planned to enable the intended
user population to perform a range of tasks comfortably and efficiently”. Further information on the design of
environments of use is available in ISO 941-500.
6.2.2 Reachability
When the user is physically interacting with the system (including AT), tactile/haptic inputs and
outputs should be located within the reach envelope of the user.
Users with the widest range of needs, characteristics, and capabilities should be considered when
determining the expected reach envelope.
NOTE 1 It is important to consider standing as well as sitting positions when determining the user’s reach
envelope.
NOTE 2 The use of AT can modify the user’s reach envelope. AT can be used to provide support of all or part of
their body when reaching. For example, a user can use a prothesis to support and stabilize their arm. This affects
their reach envelope.
4 © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved
ISO 9241-971:2020(E)
NOTE 3 ISO/IEC 29136:2012, 5.4.2, states that “a control to turn the device on/off should be placed in a
position where it is easy to locate and activate but not to activate accidentally”.
6.2.3 Reachability by remote control
Users should be enabled to use a device to interact with the system remotely if inputs and outputs are
not reachable.
6.2.4 Stability
Devices involving tactile/haptic components should provide stability for the system when positioned
so that:
a) they are stable during intended use;
b) they are not unintentionally activated or deactivated due to instability;
c) they remain reachable and usable in their position.
EXAMPLE A control panel that can be tilted is a tactile/haptic component. When used, it provides sufficient
resistance that the tilt is not changed.
6.3 Presentation of tactile/haptic information
6.3.1 Presentation of physical information
Tactile/haptic systems should support the presentation of some or all information (including feedback
and cues) in tactile form.
NOTE 1 This can be accomplished either directly or via the connection of a tactile/haptic output device to
the system.
NOTE 2 It can be important to ensure that tactile alerts are available to notify users of the existence of
critically important information (regardless of the modality of the information itself).
6.3.2 Multiple formats for presenting tactile/haptic information
Systems should support the presentation of tactile/haptic information in various formats.
NOTE Providing connectivity to a range of tactile/haptic output devices can increase the range of possible
output formats.
EXAMPLE Formats of tactile/haptic information include embossed symbols, braille notations, pulses and
vibrations.
6.3.3 Encoding of tactile/haptic information
The encoding of information within a tactile/haptic format should be designed to support the widest
possible range of users.
NOTE 1 ISO 9241-920:2009, 4.2, provides guidance on specific tactile/haptic attributes for encoding
information. ISO 9241-920:2009, 4.2.2 and 4.2.3, discuss human limits on the number of attribute values to use
and attribute value discrimination.
NOTE 2 Individualization of tactile/haptic encoding is dealt with in 6.6.
EXAMPLE There are conditions (e.g. diabetes) where a person’s haptic discrimination can be lowered so that
they need stronger stimuli.
ISO 9241-971:2020(E)
6.3.4 Contextual interference with tactile/haptic presentations
Systems should present tactile/haptic information in a manner that minimizes possible interference
with the information by:
a) presenting tactile information so that it can be perceived in the presence of background tactile/
haptic information;
b) avoiding creating tactile/haptic distractions that can prevent the user from focusing on or
executing a task;
c) limiting heat, cold and vibration from devices that can interfere with perception of tactile/haptic
information.
6.4 Perceivability of tactile/haptic information
6.4.1 General
Tactile/haptic information shall be perceivable.
Tactile/haptic information is directly perceivable if diverse users in diverse contexts of use can sense
the information and functionalities presented. When it is not directly perceivable, AT should be
supported to address the needs, characteristics, and capabilities of the widest range of users.
A tactile/haptic interactive system should allow control of perceptible attributes of the tactile/haptic
presentation to address the widest range of user needs, characteristics, and capabilities.
NOTE 1 Further perceivability-related user accessibility needs applying to tactile/haptic interactions are
found in ISO/IEC 29138-1 and other International Standards as well as related research literature.
NOTE 2 ISO 9241-920:2009, 4.2 provides guidance on specific tactile/haptic attributes for encoding
information.
EXAMPLE Tactile/haptic attributes include vibration frequency, amplitude and degrees of freedom.
6.4.2 Discoverability of tactile/haptic components and controls
The presence and purpose of tactile/haptic components and controls should be discoverable without
accidentally activating them by touch.
Tactile/haptic components shall enable any On/Off controls for accessibility features to be discoverable
without unintended activation.
6.4.3 Distinction between tactile/haptic components or controls
When multiple tactile/haptic components or controls are present in a system, they should be easily
distinguishable from one another.
NOTE This can be accomplished by various techniques, including physical location, shape, or other
distinguishing attributes sufficiently different from other tactile/haptic components.
EXAMPLE The start button of a photocopier can be distinguished separately from other buttons by a
tactile cue.
6.4.4 Pausing and repeating tactile/haptic information
The system should provide a means for the user to pause, stop and resume continuously presented
tactile/haptic output.
After a message has finished, users should be enabled to repeat the message.
6 © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved
ISO 9241-971:2020(E)
6.4.5 Speed of tactile/haptic information
The system should provide a means for the user to control the speed of continuously presented tactile/
haptic output.
NOTE Controlling the speed of the output allows different users to speed up or slow down the presentation
of tactile/haptic information in different contexts of use to ensure that the information is accurately and
completely perceived.
6.4.6 Location of tactile output
The location of tactile output should be as close as possible to the location of the control whose operation
resulted in the output.
NOTE It is preferable if the tactile output can be provided at the same location as the control (see also 6.5).
EXAMPLE In bimanual controls, users can detect the output of the system with different hands.
6.5 Controllability of tactile/haptic interactions
6.5.1 Controllability
A tactile/haptic system shall be controllable.
A tactile/haptic system is controllable if the user is able to initiate and complete the interaction(s)
required to accomplish their task.
NOTE Controls allow users to be able to perform the task using various parts of the body and specific types
of actions.
6.5.2 Support of sequential control
Users shall be enabled to fully operate the system in a manner that does not require simultaneous
actions. A tactile/haptic system is controllable if the user is able to choose whether to operate it in
parallel or sequentially; performing tasks one step at a time.
EXAMPLE Pressing the Shift key of a keyboard five times will activate the serial key input accessibility
feature allowing the user to avoid the need to simultaneously press multiple keys (see 7.1.4).
6.5.3 Physical attributes of tactile/haptic controls
The physical attributes of tactile/haptic controls should be designed so that they can be activated via
various physical means (and not limited to the use of a user’s hands).
NOTE ISO/IEC 29136:2012, 6.1.2 a), states that “controls should be designed in an appropriate size, sha
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