EN ISO 9241-112:2017

Ergonomics of human-system interaction - Part 112: Principles for the presentation of information (ISO 9241-112:2017)

ISO 9241-112:2017 establishes ergonomic design principles for interactive systems related to the software-controlled presentation of information by user interfaces. It applies to the three main modalities (visual, auditory, tactile/haptic) typically used in information and communication technology. These principles apply to the perception and understanding of presented information. These principles are applicable in the analysis, design, and evaluation of interactive systems. This document also provides recommendations corresponding to the principles. The recommendations for each of the principles are not exhaustive and are not necessarily independent from one another.
While this document is applicable to all types of interactive systems, it does not cover the specifics of particular application domains. This document also applies to outputs from interactive systems (such as printed documents, e.g. invoices).
The guidance in this document for presenting information is aimed at helping the user to accomplish tasks. This guidance is not aimed at the presentation of information for other reasons (e.g. corporate branding or advertising).
It is intended for the following types of users:
-      user interface designers, who will apply the guidance during the development process;
-      developers, who will apply the guidance during design and implementation of system functionality;
-      evaluators, who are responsible for ensuring that products meet the recommendations;
-      designers of user interface development tools and style guides to be used by user interface designers;
-      project managers, who are responsible for managing development processes;
-      buyers, who will reference this document during product procurement.

Ergonomie der Mensch-System-Interaktion - Teil 112: Grundsätze der Informationsdarstellung (ISO 9241-112:2017)

Dieses Dokument stellt ergonomische Gestaltungsgrundsätze für interaktive Systeme im Zusammenhang mit der softwaregesteuerten Informationsdarstellung durch Benutzungsschnittstellen auf. Es gilt für die drei Hauptinteraktionsmodalitäten (visuell, akustisch, taktil/haptisch), die üblicherweise in der Informations- und Kommunikationstechnik verwendet werden. Diese Grundsätze gelten für die Wahrnehmung und das Verstehen von dargestellten Informationen. Diese Grundsätze sind bei der Analyse, der Gestaltung und der Beurteilung interaktiver Systeme anwendbar. Außerdem stellt dieses Dokument den jeweiligen Grundsätzen entsprechende Empfehlungen bereit. Die Empfehlungen für jeden dieser Grundsätze sind nicht vollständig und voneinander nicht zwangsläufig unabhängig.
Während dieses Dokument für alle Arten interaktiver Systeme anwendbar ist, behandelt es jedoch nicht die Besonderheiten einzelner Anwendungsfelder. Dieses Dokument gilt des Weiteren für die Ausgaben interaktiver Systeme (wie z. B. gedruckte Dokumente, z. B. Rechnungen).
Die in diesem Dokument enthaltene Anleitung zur Informationsdarstellung hat zum Ziel, dem Benutzer bei der Erfüllung von Aufgaben behilflich zu sein. Diese Anleitung ist nicht für die Informationsdarstellung aus anderen Gründen gedacht (z. B. zur Markendarstellung oder Werbung).
Sie ist für folgende Benutzertypen vorgesehen:
-   Designer von Benutzungsschnittstellen, welche die Empfehlungen während des Entwicklungsprozesses anwenden;
-   Designer, die die Empfehlungen bei der Gestaltung und Umsetzung der Systemfunktionalität anwenden;
-   Gutachter, die dafür verantwortlich sind, dass Produkte den Empfehlungen entsprechen;
-   Designer von Werkzeugen für die Entwicklung von Benutzungsschnittstellen und Gestaltungsleitfäden, die von Benutzungsschnittstellen-Designern verwendet werden sollen;
-   Projektmanager, die für das Managen von Entwicklungsprozessen verantwortlich sind;
-   Käufer, die sich beim Produkteinkauf auf dieses Dokument beziehen.

Ergonomie de l'interaction homme-système - Partie 112: Principes et lignes directrices relatives à la présentation de l'information (ISO 9241-112:2017)

ISO 9241-112:2017 énonce des principes de conception ergonomique pour des systèmes interactifs en relation avec une présentation de l'information contrôlée par logiciel par les interfaces utilisateur. Il s'applique aux trois principales modalités (visuelle, sonore, tactile/haptique) généralement utilisées dans les technologies de l'information et de la communication. Ces principes s'appliquent à la perception et à la compréhension de l'information présentée. Ces principes sont applicables à l'analyse, à la conception et à l'évaluation des systèmes interactifs. Le présent document fournit également des recommandations correspondant aux principes. Les recommandations associées à chacun des principes ne sont pas exhaustives et ne sont pas nécessairement indépendantes les unes des autres.
Bien que le présent document soit applicable à tous les types de systèmes interactifs, il ne couvre pas les spécificités de domaines d'application particuliers. Le présent document s'applique également aux sorties des systèmes interactifs (telles que des documents imprimés, par exemple des factures).
Les lignes directrices du présent document relatif à la présentation de l'information visent à aider l'utilisateur à accomplir des tâches. Ces lignes directrices ne concernent pas la présentation de l'information à d'autres fins (par exemple valorisation de la marque d'entreprise ou publicité).
Elle est destinée aux types d'utilisateurs suivants:
-      les concepteurs d'interfaces utilisateur, qui appliqueront les lignes directrices lors du processus de développement;
-      les développeurs, qui appliqueront les lignes directrices lors de la conception et de l'implémentation des fonctionnalités du système;
-      les évaluateurs, qui sont tenus de s'assurer que les produits sont conformes aux recommandations;
-      les concepteurs d'outils de développement d'interfaces utilisateur et de guides de style destinés à être utilisés par les concepteurs d'interfaces;
-      les chefs de projet, qui sont responsables de la gestion des processus de développement;
-      les acheteurs, qui se référeront au présent document lors de l'achat du produit.

Ergonomija medsebojnega vpliva človek-sistem - 112. del: Načela za prikaz informacij (ISO 9241-112:2017)

Ta del standarda ISO 9241 podaja načela ergonomske oblike za interaktivne sisteme v povezavi s programsko upravljano predstavitvijo informacij prek uporabniških vmesnikov v treh glavnih modalitetah (vizualni, zvočni, taktilni/haptični), ki se običajno uporabljajo v informacijsko-komunikacijski tehnologiji. Ta načela se uporabljajo za zaznavanja in razumevanje predstavljenih informacij. Ta načela veljajo pri analizi, načrtovanju in vrednotenju interaktivnih sistemov. Ta del standarda ISO 9241 podaja tudi priporočila v zvezi z načeli. Priporočila za posamezna načela niso izčrpna in niso nujno medsebojno neodvisna. Ta del standarda ISO 9241 se uporablja za vse vrste interaktivnih sistemov, vendar ne zajema specifičnih lastnosti posameznih domen uporabe. Ta del standarda ISO 9241 se uporablja tudi za rezultate interaktivnih sistemov (kot je tiskano gradivo, na primer fakture). Vodilo v tem mednarodnem standardu za predstavitev informacij je namenjeno pomoči uporabnikom pri izvajanju opravil. To vodilo ni namenjeno predstavitvi informacij za druge namene (npr. uporabo tržnih znamk ali oglaševanje podjetij). Namenjeno je naslednjim vrstam uporabnikov: – načrtovalcem uporabniških vmesnikov, ki bodo vodilo uporabljali pri razvojnih postopkih; – razvijalcem, ki bodo vodilo uporabljali pri načrtovanju in uvajanju funkcionalnosti sistema; – ocenjevalcem, ki so odgovorni za zagotavljanje skladnosti proizvodov s priporočili; – načrtovalcem orodij za razvoj uporabniških vmesnikov in slogovnih vodnikov za načrtovalce uporabniških vmesnikov; – kupcem, ki se bodo pri naročanju proizvodov sklicevali na ta del standarda ISO 9241.

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 21-Mar-2017
• Withdrawal Date: 22-Sep-2025
• ICS: 13.180 - Ergonomics
• ICS: 35.080 - Software
• ICS: 35.180 - IT Terminal and other peripheral equipment
• ICS: 35.240.01 - Application of information technology in general
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 122 - Ergonomics
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 122/WG 5 - Ergonomics of human-computer interaction
• Current Stage: 9960 - Withdrawal effective - Withdrawal
• Start Date: 11-Jun-2025
• Completion Date: 23-Sep-2025
• Ref Project: SIST EN ISO 9241-112:2017 - Ergonomics of human-system interaction - Part 112: Principles for the presentation of information (ISO 9241-112:2017)

Relations

• Replaces: EN ISO 9241-12:1998 - Ergonomic requirements for office work with visual display terminals (VDTs) - Part 12: Presentation of information (ISO 9241-12:1998)
• Effective Date: 08-Jun-2022
• Replaced By: EN ISO 9241-112:2025 - Ergonomics of human-system interaction - Part 112: Principles for the presentation of information (ISO 9241-112:2025)
• Effective Date: 02-Aug-2023

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2017
1DGRPHãþD
SIST EN ISO 9241-12:2001
(UJRQRPLMDPHGVHERMQHJDYSOLYDþORYHNVLVWHPGHO1DþHOD]DSULND]
LQIRUPDFLM,62
Ergonomics of human-system interaction - Part 112: Principles for the presentation of
information (ISO 9241-112:2017)
Ergonomie der Mensch-System-Interaktion - Teil 112: Grundsätze der
Informationsdarstellung (ISO 9241-112:2017)
Ergonomie de l'interaction homme-système - Partie 112: Principes et lignes directrices
relatives à la présentation de l'information (ISO 9241-112:2017)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 9241-112:2017
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 9241-112
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
March 2017
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 13.180; 35.080; 35.240.01 Supersedes EN ISO 9241-12:1998
English Version
Ergonomics of human-system interaction - Part 112:
Principles for the presentation of information (ISO 9241-
112:2017)
Ergonomie de l'interaction homme-système - Partie Ergonomie der Mensch-System-Interaktion - Teil 112:
112: Principes et lignes directrices relatives à la Grundsätze der Informationsdarstellung (ISO 9241-
présentation de l'information (ISO 9241-112:2017) 112:2017)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 5 February 2017.

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, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, 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: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2017 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 9241-112:2017 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3

European foreword
This document (EN ISO 9241-112:2017) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 159
"Ergonomics" in collaboration with 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 2017, and conflicting national standards
shall be withdrawn at the latest by September 2017.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
rights.
This document supersedes EN ISO 9241-12:1998.
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, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 9241-112:2017 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 9241-112:2017 without any
modification.
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 9241-112
First edition
2017-03
Ergonomics of human-system
interaction —
Part 112:
Principles for the presentation of
information
Ergonomie de l’interaction homme-système —
Partie 112: Principes et lignes directrices relatives à la présentation
de l’information
Reference number
ISO 9241-112:2017(E)
©
ISO 2017
ISO 9241-112:2017(E)
© ISO 2017, Published in Switzerland
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, 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 below or ISO’s member body in the country of
the requester.
ISO copyright office
Ch. de Blandonnet 8 • CP 401
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
[e-mail]
www.iso.org
ii © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

ISO 9241-112:2017(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Introduction to the presentation of information . 4
4.1 Sources of guidance on presentation of information within the ISO 9241-100
series and their relationship . 4
4.2 Modalities and media . 5
4.3 Accessibility . 6
4.4 Action guidance . 6
4.5 Information presentation and aesthetics . 6
5 Introduction to principles . 6
5.1 Overview . 6
5.2 Relationship to other sets of principles in the ISO 9241-100 series . 7
5.3 Relationship between individual principles . 7
6 Principles and recommendations . 7
6.1 Detectability . 7
6.1.1 Principle of detectability . 7
6.1.2 Guidance related to using prominence . 8
6.1.3 Guidance related to timely presentation of information . 8
6.1.4 Guidance related to making controls detectable by the user . 9
6.1.5 Guidance related to using continuity to aid detectability.10
6.2 Freedom from distraction .10
6.2.1 Principle of freedom from distraction .10
6.2.2 Guidance on minimizing and avoiding distractions .10
6.3 Discriminability .11
6.3.1 Principle of discriminability .11
6.3.2 Guidance related to the structuring of presented information .11
6.3.3 Guidance related to using presentation attributes.12
6.3.4 Guidance related to grouping using proximity .12
6.3.5 Guidance related to using similarity .13
6.4 Interpretability .13
6.4.1 Principle of interpretability .13
6.4.2 Guidance related to ensuring comprehensibility .14
6.4.3 Guidance related to ensuring unambiguous meaning .14
6.4.4 Guidance related to using closure appropriately .15
6.4.5 Guidance related to textual coherence.15
6.4.6 Guidance related to selection and use of media/modality .16
6.4.7 Guidance related to user capabilities .16
6.5 Conciseness .17
6.5.1 Principle of conciseness .17
6.5.2 Guidance related to conciseness of content .17
6.5.3 Guidance related to conciseness of actions .17
6.6 Consistency (internal and external) .18
6.6.1 Principle of consistency .18
6.6.2 Guidance related to consistency across pieces of information .18
6.6.3 Guidance related to logical consistency .19
6.6.4 Guidance related to consistency with conventions known to the user .19
Bibliography .20
ISO 9241-112:2017(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 on 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 the following
URL: w w w . i s o .org/ iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 159, Ergonomics, Subcommittee SC 4,
Ergonomics of human–system interaction.
This first edition of ISO 9241-112, together with ISO 9241-125, cancels and replaces ISO 9241-12:1998.
A list of all parts in the ISO 9241 series can be found on the ISO website.
iv © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

ISO 9241-112:2017(E)
Introduction
This document presents principles for the presentation of information that apply to the design and
evaluation of user interfaces.
The application and use of the principles and general recommendations in this document results in a
variety of benefits to users of interactive user interfaces, including improvements in speed, accuracy,
mental effort, and user experience. They also help prevent users from experiencing usability problems
with presented information. Examples of such problems include the following:
— Users do not detect information, although the information is present.
— Users are distracted from information they are focusing on by other information.
— Users cannot discriminate between pieces of information, since they appear to be identical.
— Users misinterpret information since the meaning of the information is ambiguous.
— Users expend unnecessary time in understanding information since the information is presented is
unnecessarily lengthy.
— Users do not understand information due to unknown conventions used in the information.
The principles and general recommendations will help to avoid misinterpretations by providing
guidance on the appropriate and effective presentation of information. The guidance in this document
does not deal with the identification of the specific information to be presented.
This document contains general recommendations that apply across modalities. ISO 9241-125 provides
detailed recommendations relating to the design and evaluation of visual user interfaces.
This document can be used with ISO 9241-110 to provide principles covering interaction with user
interfaces, including the presentation of information.
These principles replace the “characteristics of presented information” listed in ISO 9241-12:1998, 4.1.
The characteristic “legibility” formerly contained in ISO 9241-12 is not being dealt with specifically
in this document since it is specific to visual information, but it is covered in general as part of
“Discriminability” and “Interpretability”. “Clarity” and “Comprehensibility” also formerly contained in
ISO 9241-12 are now being dealt with as part of “Freedom from distraction” and “Interpretability”.
This document focuses on software aspects of the presentation of information and does not include
guidance on the hardware-controlled physical characteristics of information presented in different
modalities.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 9241-112:2017(E)
Ergonomics of human-system interaction —
Part 112:
Principles for the presentation of information
1 Scope
This document establishes ergonomic design principles for interactive systems related to the software-
controlled presentation of information by user interfaces. It applies to the three main modalities
(visual, auditory, tactile/haptic) typically used in information and communication technology. These
principles apply to the perception and understanding of presented information. These principles are
applicable in the analysis, design, and evaluation of interactive systems. This document also provides
recommendations corresponding to the principles. The recommendations for each of the principles are
not exhaustive and are not necessarily independent from one another.
While this document is applicable to all types of interactive systems, it does not cover the specifics of
particular application domains. This document also applies to outputs from interactive systems (such
as printed documents, e.g. invoices).
The guidance in this document for presenting information is aimed at helping the user to accomplish
tasks. This guidance is not aimed at the presentation of information for other reasons (e.g. corporate
branding or advertising).
It is intended for the following types of users:
— user interface designers, who will apply the guidance during the development process;
— developers, who will apply the guidance during design and implementation of system functionality;
— evaluators, who are responsible for ensuring that products meet the recommendations;
— designers of user interface development tools and style guides to be used by user interface designers;
— project managers, who are responsible for managing development processes;
— buyers, who will reference this document during product procurement.
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 9241-171:2008, Ergonomics of human-system interaction — Part 171: Guidance on software
accessibility
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
ISO 9241-112:2017(E)
3.1
user
person who interacts with a system, product or service
Note 1 to entry: A person who uses an output or service provided by a system, such as a bank customer who
receives a paper or electronic statement, visits a branch, or carries out telephone banking using a call centre, is
considered to be a user.
[SOURCE: ISO 26800:2011, 2.10, modified — Change in notes.]
3.2
user interface
all components of an interactive system (software or hardware) that provide information and controls
for the user (3.1) to accomplish specific tasks with the interactive system
[SOURCE: ISO 9241-110:2006, 3.9]
3.3
user-interface element
user-interface object
entity of the user interface that is presented to the user (3.1) by the software
EXAMPLE Text, graphic, control.
Note 1 to entry: User-interface elements can be interactive or not.
Note 2 to entry: Both entities relevant to the task and entities of the user interface (3.2) are regarded as user-
interface elements. A user-interface element can be a visual representation or an interaction mechanism for a
task object (such as a letter, sales order, electronic part, or wiring diagram) or a system object (such as a printer,
hard disk, or network connection). It can be possible for the user to directly manipulate some of these user-
interface elements.
Note 3 to entry: User-interface elements in a graphical user interface (3.2) include such things as basic objects
(such as window title bars, menu items, push buttons, image maps, and editable text fields) or containers (such
as windows, grouping boxes, menu bars, menus, groups of mutually-exclusive option buttons, and compound
images that are made up of several smaller images). User-interface elements in an audio user interface include
such things as menus, menu items, messages, and action prompts.
[SOURCE: ISO 9241-171:2008, 3.38]
3.4
attribute
data item that modifies or describes some aspect of an action or an object
Note 1 to entry: An attribute whose value is subject to change can be treated as an object.
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC TR 11580:2007, 2.2, modified — Change of the note.]
3.5
action
user (3.1) behaviour that a system accepts as a request for a particular operation
EXAMPLE Pressing a key, clicking a mouse button, moving the pointer over an object, speaking a command.
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC TR 11580:2007, 2.3]
3.6
operation
predefined system behaviour that a user (3.1) initiates
EXAMPLE Sending mail, printing, modifying the data or properties of an object.
Note 1 to entry: A user (3.1) performs an action (3.5) or a set of actions to initiate an operation.
2 © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

ISO 9241-112:2017(E)
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC TR 11580:2007, 2.4]
3.7
function
task-specific operation (3.6) of an object
Note 1 to entry: Objects can have zero, one, or many functions.
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC TR 11580:2007, 2.5]
3.8
state
status of an object, action (3.5), or attribute (3.4) which is related to the currently permitted interactions
with the object, action, or attribute
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC TR 11580:2007, 2.7]
3.9
selection
explicitly identifying an object, attribute (3.4), or operation (3.6) that is intended as the target for
subsequent action (3.5)
Note 1 to entry: When a mouse is used, selection is performed by clicking once on a mouse button, then, a second
click is used to initiate the default function (3.7) of the selected item.
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC TR 11580:2007, 2.10]
3.10
context of use
users (3.1), tasks, equipment (hardware, software and materials), and the physical and social
environments in which a product is used
[SOURCE: ISO 9241-11:1998, 3.5]
3.11
modality
mode of interaction referring to one of the human senses
Note 1 to entry: The three modalities most commonly used in information/communication technology (ICT) are:
visual, auditory, tactile/haptic.
Note 2 to entry: Modalities are used in interactions between users (3.1) and systems.
3.12
medium, sing.
media, pl.
different specific forms of presenting information to the user (3.1)
EXAMPLE Text, video, graphics, animation, audio.
[SOURCE: ISO 14915-1:2002, 3.3, modified — The phrase “human user” has been shortened to “user” as
the latter is a term defined as a person.]
3.13
convention
specific design solution that is widely applied within a culture and therefore commonly expected to apply
EXAMPLE Western languages are typically read from left to right.
3.14
group
set of information items or user interface elements (3.3) that are semantically related and perceptually
distinct
ISO 9241-112:2017(E)
3.15
accessibility
extent to which products, systems, services, environments and facilities can be used by people from
a population with the widest range of user (3.1) needs, characteristics and capabilities to achieve
identified goals in identified contexts of use (3.10)
Note 1 to entry: Context of use includes direct use or use supported by assistive technologies.
4 Introduction to the presentation of information
4.1 Sources of guidance on presentation of information within the ISO 9241-100 series
and their relationship
Guidance on presentation of information is contained in various international standards, as well as in
guidelines produced by manufacturers of interactive systems. Whenever the usability of interactive
systems is addressed in guidance documents, presentation of information is part of the consideration.
Figure 1 gives an overview on types of source documents which contain guidance on presented
information.
NOTE The following description also serves as alternative text for Figure 1.
In ISO 9241-110, principles and general recommendations for the interaction between user and system
that apply across application domains and particular technologies are introduced. In particular, the
principles of self-descriptiveness and conformity with user expectations are related to the presentation
of information. Information, which is not self-descriptive, will mislead the user. Information that is not
located where users expect it is likely to be not detected and information that does not conform to
other user expectations might be misunderstood.
In ISO 9241-112, principles and general recommendations for the presentation of information are
introduced that apply across the three main modalities (visual, auditory, and tactile/haptic) typically
used in ICT. These principles and general recommendations also apply across application domains and
across technologies.
Other ISO standards contain recommendations and requirements with a specific thematic focus.
— Requirements and recommendations specific to the visual presentation of information can be found
in ISO 9241-125.
— Requirements and recommendations specific to dialogue techniques can be found in standards
such as ISO 9241-143.
— Requirements and recommendations specific to an application domain can be found in standards
such as ISO 9241-151 and ISO 9241-154.
— Requirements and recommendations specific to accessibility can be found in standards such as
ISO 9241-20 and ISO 9241-171.
ISO standards contain guidance at the levels of
— principles,
— general recommendations, and
— requirements and recommendations specific to a thematic subject.
They do not prescribe “standardized solutions” in terms of conventions (e.g. “the title bar of a window
in focus is coloured blue” or “put anything users usually do not need to see in the lower-left corner
or bottom of the window”). Such “standardized conventions” are published by industry sources and
can be found in literature. However, the guidance relating to presented information in ISO standards is
4 © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

ISO 9241-112:2017(E)
intended to be applied when establishing or assessing standardized conventions for user interfaces of
interactive systems.
Dialogue principles (ISO 9241-110)
Information presentation principles (ISO 9241-112)
Requirements and recommendations speciic to accessibility
(e.g. ISO 9241-20, ISO 9241-171)
Standardized conventions (not in scope of ISO standards)
(e.g. Microsoft Windows Users Experience Interaction Guidelines, iOS Human Interface Guidelines)
Figure 1 — Relationship between ISO 9241-112 and other sources of guidance on the
presentation of information
4.2 Modalities and media
Modalities are based on human senses:
— visual (seeing);
— auditory (hearing);
— tactile/haptic (touching);
— olfactory (smelling);
— gustatory (tasting).
While humans can perceive information based on all modalities, the visual, auditory, and tactile/haptic
modalities are the ones commonly used in ICT systems. While the principles apply across all modalities,
the three modalities provide the basis for the specific recommendations in this document.
General
recommendations
General
recommendations
Requirements and
recommendations
speciic to a modality
(e.g. ISO 9241-125)
Requirements and
recommendations
speciic to
dialogue techniques
(e.g. ISO 9241-143)
Requirements and
recommendations speciic
to application domains
(e.g. ISO 9241-151, ISO 9242-154)

ISO 9241-112:2017(E)
Media are different means of presenting information within one or more modalities [e.g. text (written,
spoken, signed, or tactilely presented), images (visual, tactile), sounds, movies, etc.]. Text is the most
flexible form of information because it can easily be rendered in each of the visual, auditory, and
tactile/haptic modalities. While non-textual information can be more efficient and satisfying in some
circumstances, it has the disadvantage of not easily being transformed between modalities. While this
document contains some media-specific guidance, it does not deal with all possible guidance on the use
of any one medium.
Before users can understand (identify the meaning of) information, they must first perceive (sense) that
it has been presented. If users miss perceiving information (due to inattention or due to not being able
to utilize the modality in which it is presented), then they will not have it available for understanding.
However, users might also perceive the existence of some information that they cannot understand
(without further information to help them in this understanding).
4.3 Accessibility
Software presenting information shall use the accessibility services provided by the platform to
cooperate with assistive technologies according to ISO 9241-171:2008, 8.5.3.
NOTE 1 ISO 9241-171 provides requirements and recommendations on software accessibility.
NOTE 2 The presentation of the same information in more than one modality/medium increases accessibility.
4.4 Action guidance
Information should be presented in a way that it supports the user’s intended actions rather than
explaining what the system wants the user to do. It is important that the design of a system guides the
user in performing the intended actions, minimizing the need for additional instructive information.
However, additional explicit instructive information can be applied wherever identified as necessary.
NOTE Regarding the presentation characteristics of user interface elements, action guidance is also referred
to as “affordance” or “cueing the user”.
4.5 Information presentation and aesthetics
While aesthetic effects contribute to the user experience, it is important to avoid effects that could
reduce overall usability.
NOTE The use of specific effects for aesthetic purposes (such as flashing images, music, or vibration
patterns) can cause a variety of problems for users (including distractions and difficulties in perception).
5 Introduction to principles
5.1 Overview
The principles in this document address common usability issues that arise in the presentation of
information, when designing user interfaces. They address the ways in which information presented
in the design of user interfaces supports effectiveness and efficiency and can lead to increased user
satisfaction. These principles are
— detectability,
— freedom from distraction,
— discriminability,
— unambiguous interpretability,
— conciseness, and
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ISO 9241-112:2017(E)
— consistency (internal and external).
The individual principles are described and each of the principles is accompanied by a non-exhaustive
list of illustrative recommendations at various levels of detail. Designs in accordance with these
recommendations will help prevent users experiencing typical usability problems.
The application of a single recommendation does not mean that the application of a principle has been
fully satisfied.
5.2 Relationship to other sets of principles in the ISO 9241-100 series
This set of principles focuses on presentation of information that is part of an interactive system. They
should be used together with the principles and guidance presented in ISO 9241-110 which focuses on
the interaction between the user and the system. It is recognized that the information presented by a
system is important in guiding the interactions and intended actions of the user.
This set of principles also works with the principles presented in ISO 9241-171:2008, Clause 5, which
focus on designing accessible solutions.
5.3 Relationship between individual principles
The principles are not independent and can semantically overlap. It may be necessary to make “trade-
offs” in the relative importance of the principles in order to optimize usability. The applicability and
the priority given to each principle will vary with the specific field of application, user groups, and the
dialogue technique chosen.
This implies taking into account the
— goals of the organization,
— needs of the intended (end) user group,
— tasks to be supported,
— social and physical environment in which the task is being carried out, and
— available technologies and resources.
The relevance and relative importance of each principle is determined by the particular context of
use. Each of the principles needs to be taken into account in analysis, design, and evaluation; however,
principles might vary in their relative importance depending on the context of use and other design
requirements. In practice, within design situations for an interactive system, compromises will be made.
NOTE The guidance relating to each principle is structured into one or more categories for ease of
understanding the breadth of application of the principle. It is possible that more than one requirement or
recommendation contained in Clause 6 will lead to the same design decision (thus, design outcomes of one
guideline can often be the same as those obtained by applying other guidelines).
6 Principles and recommendations
6.1 Detectability
6.1.1 Principle of detectability
Presented information is detectable if the information is presented so that it will be recognized as
present.
Detectability involves guidance related to
a) prominence,
ISO 9241-112:2017(E)
b) timely presentation of information,
c) design the controls to be detectable, and
d) continuity.
6.1.2 Guidance related to using prominence
6.1.2.1 The user’s attention should be directed towards information as required.
6.1.2.2 The focus of attention should be set on important information.
EXAMPLE 1 Important information is presented at the top centre of a page of visual information.
EXAMPLE 2 Important information is presented first in an audio announcement slowly and in easily
understandable/acceptable languages of the users.
EXAMPLE 3 Important tactile/haptic information is presented using a higher intensity than less important
information.
6.1.2.3 The most important information (including critical elements) should be presented to stand out
from other presented items of information and secure the user’s attention.
EXAMPLE 1 Critical information is presented in larger, bold faced, visually contrasting text in a visual display.
EXAMPLE 2 Pauses are used to call attention to critical information in an audio announcement.
EXAMPLE 3 A special warning vibration precedes the presentation of critical information on a tactile/haptic
display.
6.1.3 Guidance related to timely presentation of information
6.1.3.1 Information should be presented at a pace that suits the pace of the user.
NOTE The appropriate pace depends on the modality, the user’s needs (e.g. a screen reader user might be
able to receive audio text at a much faster rate than a user not dependent on screen reading), and the content (e.g.
entertainment versus legal text).
6.1.3.2 The pacing of information presentation should be under user control.
EXAMPLE 1 The user controls scrolling on a page and transitions between pages of visual information.
EXAMPLE 2 The user is able to pause and restart the presentation of auditory information.
EXAMPLE 3 The user has a control for advancing information on a Braille display.
6.1.3.3 The user should be able to have information repeated.
EXAMPLE 1 The user is able to go back to a previous page of visual information.
EXAMPLE 2 The user is able to replay the last section of auditory information.
EXAMPLE 3 The user is able to replay the last sentence presented on a Braille display.
6.1.3.4 The system response time for presenting information should be suitable to user expectations
and the needs of the task.
6.1.3.5 The sequence of presentation of information should take into account the logical flow and
priority/importance of the information that is being presented.
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ISO 9241-112:2017(E)
6.1.3.6 Information that is less important should not interfere with the presentation of important
information.
6.1.3.7 For each user input, the system should give an immediate response.
NOTE 1 While the timing of the response might be influenced by connectivity delays, it is important that this
response be generated by the system within 0,1 s.
NOTE 2 The minimum response is to acknowledge that the input has been entered. It is recognized that this
type of response might precede other more complex responses.
EXAMPLE 1 Information entered into a field on a visual display appears as soon as it is received by the system.
EXAMPLE 2 An audio sound is presented when information is received from the user by the system.
EXAMPLE 3 A particular vibration pattern is presented when information is received from the user by the
system.
6.1.3.8 The system should indicate when it is busy.
NOTE It is helpful for this indication to include an estimate of the amount of time that the system will remain
busy, where such an estimate is possible.
EXAMPLE 1 The system visually displays an hourglass to indicate that it is currently busy.
EXAMPLE 2 The system produces a low-volume hum to indicate that it is currently busy. The frequency of the
hum increases as the estimated time that is remaining decreases.
EXAMPLE 3 The system produces a low-intensity vibration to indicate that it is currently busy. The frequency
of the vibration increases as the estimated time that is remaining decreases.
6.1.4 Guidance related to making controls detectable by the user
6.1.4.1 The most frequent and critical controls should always be presented to the user.
6.1.4.2 Controls that are only occasionally used and are also not associated with time-critical activities
may be hidden as long as the user can get to them if needed.
EXAMPLE 1 Controls not currently needed are removed from the visual display, but can be returned via a
single control action.
EXAMPLE 2 Controls not currently needed are not listed in an audio menu, which also contains an option for
presenting additional controls.
EXAMPLE 3 The user of a tactile device has the ability to use a single tactile control for multiple different
control actions, depending on the current state of the device.
6.1.4.3 The user should have access to information on what actions are possible.
6.1.4.4 Controls that an individual is never allowed to use should be hidden for the interface for that user.
NOTE This can be done based on various types of information including a user’s current role, permissions,
and/or profile.
EXAMPLE 1 Controls used only by administrators are not visually displayed to regular users.
EXAMPLE 2 Controls used only by administrators are not provided in an auditory menu to regular users.
EXAMPLE 3 States corresponding to different control actions that are only used by administrators cannot be
entered by users of tactile devices.
6.1.4.5 Controls should be designed in a way that they are detectable.
ISO 9241-112:2017(E)
6.1.5 Guidance related to using continuity to aid detectability
6.1.5.1 Where only part of a set of information is presented or where some of the information is
partially hidden, the system should make the user aware that more information is available and describe
how to access it.
EXAMPLE A scroll bar on a visual display indicates that there is more information than what is currently
being displayed.
6.1.5.2 The system should make the user aware of the end of a set of information.
6.2 Freedom from distraction
6.2.1 Principle of freedom from distraction
Presented information is free from distractions if the information is presented so that required
information will be perceived without other presented information interfering with its perception.
Distractions from a user’s point of view can result from both distracting events and information
overload.
Freedom from distraction involves guidance related to
a) avoiding distractions, and
b) minimizing distractions.
6.2.2 Guidance on minimizing and avoiding distractions
6.2.2.1 Presented task-relevant information should be clearly di
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