EN ISO 9241-143:2012

Ergonomics of human-system interaction - Part 143: Forms (ISO 9241-143:2012)

ISO 9241-143:2012 provides requirements and recommendations for the design and evaluation of forms, in which the user fills-in, selects entries for or modifies labelled fields on a "form" or dialogue box presented by the system. Often the system then creates or updates the data associated with the form. Form-based entries typically are in the form of typed input (abbreviations, or full names) or selections from available option lists.
ISO 9241-143:2012 is applicable to forms regardless of the modality in which they are rendered (visual, spatial, vocal); much of its guidance is based on a model of visual and spatial relationship. In addition, it specifies the use of non-text methods for providing forms entries (e.g. list boxes) and pertains to dialogue boxes which utilize form techniques. Guidance is provided on the selection and design of those user-interface elements relevant to forms.
While it covers lists used to enter forms data, menus which are similar to lists are outside its scope (see ISO 9241‑14). It is not applicable to the hardware aspects of forms.
The requirements and recommendations in ISO 9241-143:2012 are applicable throughout the development process (for example, as guidance for designers during design, as a basis for heuristic evaluation, as guidance for usability testing) and in the procurement process.

Ergonomie der Mensch-System-Interaktion - Teil 143: Formulardialoge (ISO 9241-143:2012)

Dieser Teil der ISO 9241 enthält Anforderungen an und Empfehlungen für die Gestaltung und Bewertung von Formulardialogen bei denen der Benutzer auf einem „Formular“ oder in einer durch das System bereitgestellten Dialogbox beschriftete Felder ausfüllt, Eingabewerte für diese auswählt oder deren Inhalte ändert. Häufig generiert oder aktualisiert das System auf dieser Grundlage die mit dem Formular verknüpften Daten. Die Formulareingaben erfolgen in der Regel über die Tastatur (abgekürzt oder in voller Länge) oder durch Auswahl aus angebotenen Optionslisten. Dieser Teil der ISO 9241 gilt für Formulardialoge, unabhängig von dem Modus, in dem sie erstellt werden (optisch, räumlich, sprachlich). Ein großer Teil der Anleitung beruht jedoch auf einem Modell des optischen und räumlichen Zusammenhangs. Darüber hinaus legt dieser Teil der ISO 9241 die Anwendung von textfreien Verfahren für die Bereitstellung von Formulareinträgen fest (z. B. Listenfelder) und erstreckt sich auf Dialogboxen, die Verfahren des Formulardialogs verwenden. Es wird eine Anleitung zur Auswahl und Gestaltung der für Formulardialoge relevanten Benutzungsschnittstellenelemente gegeben. Während Listen für die Eingabe von Formulardaten von diesem Teil der ISO 9241 behandelt werden, sind Menüs, die mit Listen vergleichbar sind, außerhalb des Anwendungsbereichs und werden in ISO 9241-14 behandelt. Darüber hinaus behandelt dieser Teil der ISO 9241 keine hardwarebezogenen Aspekte von Formulardialogen. ANMERKUNG Einige der Anforderungen und Empfehlungen dieses Teils der ISO 9241 beruhen auf westlichen Sprachkonventionen. Für weitere Sprachen könnten bestimmte Anforderungen oder Empfehlungen verändert werden, um sie an die jeweiligen sprachspezifischen Lese- und/oder Texteingabegewohnheiten anzupassen. Die Anforderungen und Empfehlungen dieses Teils der ISO 9241 sind auf den gesamten Entwicklungsprozess, z. B. als Leitfaden für die Entwickler bei der Gestaltung, als Grundlage für die heuristische Bewertung, als Anleitung für die Prüfung der Gebrauchstauglichkeit, und auf den Beschaffungsprozess anwendbar.

Ergonomie de l'interaction homme-système - Partie 143: Formulaires (ISO 9241-143:2012)

L'ISO 9241-143:2012 donne des exigences et des recommandations relatives à la conception et à l'évaluation des formulaires, dans lesquels l'utilisateur remplit, sélectionne les saisies ou modifie des champs indexés à l'intérieur d'un «formulaire» ou dans une boîte de dialogue présenté(e) par le système. Le système procède fréquemment à la création ou à la mise à jour de données associées au formulaire. Les saisies caractéristiques de type saisie de formulaire se présentent sous la forme de saisies de caractères (abréviations, ou noms entiers) ou encore sous la forme de sélections effectuées à partir de listes d'options disponibles.
L'ISO 9241-143:2012 s'applique aux formulaires quel que soit leur mode de présentation (visuel, spatial, vocal). Cependant, bon nombre de ce type de guidage est fondé sur un modèle de relation visuelle et spatiale. De plus, elle comprend l'usage de méthodes non textuelles en matière de production de saisies de formulaire (par exemple listes de choix) et porte sur les boîtes de dialogue utilisant les techniques propres aux formulaires. Des recommandations sont fournies sur la sélection et la conception des éléments d'interface utilisateur applicables aux formulaires.
Bien que les listes utilisées pour saisir les données de formulaire soient couvertes par l'ISO 9241-143:2012, les menus similaires aux listes ne sont pas traités dans la présente, mais dans l'ISO 9241‑14. L'ISO 9241-143:2012 n'est pas applicable aux aspects matériels des formulaires.
Les exigences et recommandations de l'ISO 9241-143:2012 peuvent être exploitées au cours du processus de conception (par exemple au titre de guidage pour les concepteurs au cours de la conception, de base pour l'évaluation heuristique ou de guide pour les essais relatifs à l'utilisabilité) et au cours du processus d'acquisition.

Ergonomija medsebojnega vpliva človek-sistem - 143. del: Komunikacija preko obrazca/maske (ISO 9241-143:2012)

Ta del standarda ISO 9241 določa zahteve in priporočila za strukturo in vrednotenje obrazcev, ki jih uporabnik izpolnjuje, za katere izbira odgovore ali pri katerih spreminja označena polja na »obrazcu« ali v pogovornem oknu, prikazanem v sistemu. Sistem nato pogosto ustvari ali posodobi podatke v zvezi z obrazcem. Pri izpolnjevanju obrazcev gre običajno za tipkane vnose (okrajšave ali celotna imena) ali izbiro med danimi možnostmi. Ta del standarda ISO 9241 se uporablja za obrazce, ne glede na to, kako so predloženi (vizualno, prostorsko, ustno). Vendar večina navodil temelji na modelu vizualnega in prostorskega razmerja. Poleg tega ta del standarda ISO 9241 določa uporabo nebesedilnih metod za izpolnjevanje obrazcev (npr. polj s seznami) in se nanaša na pogovorna okna, ki uporabljajo tehnike obrazca. Vključena so navodila za izbiro in strukturo elementov uporabniških vmesnikov, ki zadevajo obrazce. Medtem ko so seznami, ki se uporabljajo za vnos podatkov v obrazce, vključeni v ta del standarda ISO 9241, so meniji, ki so podobni seznamom, iz področja uporabe izključeni, zajeti pa so v standardu ISO 9241-14. Ta del standarda ISO 9241 se tudi ne uporablja za strojno opremo v zvezi z obrazci. Zahteve in priporočila iz tega dela standarda ISO 9241 se uporabljajo skozi ves proces razvoja, na primer kot navodila za načrtovalce med načrtovanjem, osnova za hevristično vrednotenje in navodila za preskušanje uporabnosti, ter v postopku posredovanja.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 29-Feb-2012
• Withdrawal Date: 02-Sep-2012
• ICS: 13.180 - Ergonomics
• ICS: 35.180 - IT Terminal and other peripheral equipment
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 122 - Ergonomics
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 122/WG 5 - Ergonomics of human-computer interaction
• Current Stage: 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
• Start Date: 01-Mar-2012
• Completion Date: 01-Mar-2012
• Ref Project: SIST EN ISO 9241-143:2012 - Ergonomics of human-system interaction - Part 143: Forms (ISO 9241-143:2012)

Relations

• Replaces: EN ISO 9241-17:1998 - Ergonomic requirements for office work with visual display terminals (VDTs) - Part 17: Form filling dialogues (ISO 9241-17:1998)
• Effective Date: 25-Apr-2012

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-julij-2012
1DGRPHãþD
SIST EN ISO 9241-17:2001
(UJRQRPLMDPHGVHERMQHJDYSOLYDþORYHNVLVWHPGHO.RPXQLNDFLMDSUHNR
REUD]FDPDVNH,62
Ergonomics of human-system interaction - Part 143: Forms (ISO 9241-143:2012)
Ergonomie der Mensch-System-Interaktion - Teil 143: Formulardialoge (ISO 9241-
143:2012)
Ergonomie de l'interaction homme-système - Partie 143: Formulaires (ISO 9241-
143:2012)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 9241-143:2012
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.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN ISO 9241-143
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
March 2012
ICS 35.180; 13.180 Supersedes EN ISO 9241-17:1998
English Version
Ergonomics of human-system interaction - Part 143: Forms (ISO
9241-143:2012)
Ergonomie de l'interaction homme-système - Partie 143: Ergonomie der Mensch-System-Interaktion - Teil 143:
Formulaires (ISO 9241-143:2012) Formulardialoge (ISO 9241-143:2012)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 29 February 2012.

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, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2012 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 9241-143:2012: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
Foreword .3
Foreword
This document (EN ISO 9241-143:2012) 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 2012, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by September 2012.
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 9241-17:1998.
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, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 9241-143:2012 has been approved by CEN as a EN ISO 9241-143:2012 without any
modification.
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 9241-143
First edition
2012-03-01
Ergonomics of human-system
interaction —
Part 143:
Forms
Ergonomie de l'interaction homme-système —
Partie 143: Formulaires
Reference number
ISO 9241-143:2012(E)
©
ISO 2012
ISO 9241-143:2012(E)
©  ISO 2012
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either ISO at the address below or
ISO's member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 56  CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
E-mail [e-mail]
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Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved

ISO 9241-143:2012(E)
Contents Page
Foreword . v
Introduction . vii
1  Scope . 1
2  Normative references . 1
3  Terms and definitions . 2
4  Forms . 6
4.1  Selection . 6
4.2  General requirements and recommendations . 6
5  Information presentation . 9
5.1  General . 9
5.2  Layout . 9
5.3  Names and labels . 10
5.4  Visual cues in fields and forms elements . 13
6  Interaction . 15
6.1  Navigation . 15
6.2  Navigation by tab keys and scrolling . 16
6.3  Input focus and cursors . 17
6.4  Input . 21
6.5  User control . 22
6.6  Feedback . 24
6.7  Access to forms and dialogue boxes . 25
6.8  Default values . 27
6.9  Default actions for forms elements . 28
7  Validation . 30
7.1  Single-field validation . 30
7.2  Multiple-field validation . 30
8  Choice of form elements. 30
8.1  Accessibility of form elements . 30
8.2  Choice considerations . 30
8.3  Push buttons . 31
8.4  Toggle buttons . 31
8.5  Text entry fields . 31
8.6  Radio buttons . 32
8.7  Check boxes . 32
8.8  Stepper buttons . 33
8.9  Single-selection list boxes . 34
8.10  Multiple-selection list boxes . 34
8.11  Pop-up/drop-down list . 35
8.12  Combination boxes . 36
8.13  Single-selection hierarchical lists . 37
8.14  Multiple-selection hierarchical lists . 38
8.15  Analogue form elements (slider, rotary dials and equivalents) . 38
8.16  Tabbed form elements . 39
9  Form element design . 39
9.1  Alphanumeric text entry . 39
9.2  Choice . 41
9.3  List-based elements for choice . 42
ISO 9241-143:2012(E)
9.4  Tabs .46
9.5  Scroll bars .48
9.6  Push buttons and tool palettes .50
10  Conformance .52
Annex A (informative) Overview of the ISO 9241 series .53
Annex B (informative) Checklist for applying this part of ISO 9241 .54
Bibliography .94

iv © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved

ISO 9241-143:2012(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.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
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.
ISO 9241-143 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 159, Ergonomics, Subcommittee SC 4,
Ergonomics of human-system interaction.
This first edition of ISO 9241-143 cancels and replaces ISO 9241-17:1998, of which it constitutes a technical
revision.
ISO 9241 consists of the following parts, under the general title Ergonomic requirements for office work with
visual display terminals (VDTs):
 Part 1: General introduction
 Part 2: Guidance on task requirements
 Part 4: Keyboard requirements
 Part 5: Workstation layout and postural requirements
 Part 6: Guidance on the work environment
 Part 9: Requirements for non-keyboard input devices
 Part 11: Guidance on usability
 Part 12: Presentation of information
 Part 13: User guidance
 Part 14: Menu dialogues
 Part 15: Command dialogues
 Part 16: Direct manipulation dialogues
 Part 17: Form filling dialogues
ISO 9241-143:2012(E)
ISO 9241 also consists of the following parts, under the general title Ergonomics of human-system interaction:
 Part 20: Accessibility guidelines for information/communication technology (ICT) equipment and services
 Part 100: Introduction to standards related to software ergonomics [Technical Report]
 Part 110: Dialogue principles
 Part 129: Guidance on software individualization
 Part 143: Forms
 Part 151: Guidance on World Wide Web user interfaces
 Part 154: Interactive voice response (IVR) applications
 Part 171: Guidance on software accessibility
 Part 210: Human-centred design for interactive systems
 Part 300: Introduction to electronic visual display requirements
 Part 302: Terminology for electronic visual displays
 Part 303: Requirements for electronic visual displays
 Part 304: User performance test methods for electronic visual displays
 Part 305: Optical laboratory test methods for electronic visual displays
 Part 306: Field assessment methods for electronic visual displays
 Part 307: Analysis and compliance test methods for electronic visual displays
 Part 308: Surface-conduction electron-emitter displays (SED) [Technical Report]
 Part 309: Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays [Technical Report]
 Part 310: Visibility, aesthetics and ergonomics of pixel defects [Technical Report]
 Part 331: Optical characteristics of autostereoscopic displays [Technical Report]
 Part 391: Requirements, analysis and compliance test methods for the reduction of photosensitive
seizures
 Part 400: Principles and requirements for physical input devices
 Part 410: Design criteria for physical input devices
 Part 411: Evaluation methods for the design of physical input devices [Technical Specification]
 Part 420: Selection of physical input devices
 Part 910: Framework for tactile and haptic interaction
 Part 920: Guidance on tactile and haptic interactions
User-interface elements, human-centred design and evaluation methods, ergonomic requirements for the
reduction of visual fatigue from stereoscopic images, and the evaluation of tactile and haptic interactions are
to form the subjects of future parts 161, 230, 392 and 940.

vi © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved

ISO 9241-143:2012(E)
Introduction
This part of ISO 9241 is concerned with the ergonomic design of forms.
Forms, including dialogue boxes, are appropriate for data entry tasks requiring input or modification of multiple
data items. Forms are used in various circumstances, including
 filling forms, such as income tax forms, registration (school, motor vehicle), and service order completion,
 entering information received over the telephone,
 interactively populating data in an application, such as database updates, consumer profiles and
e-commerce transactions,
 specifying the application options and parameters (complex data retrieval requests, personalisation,
system configurations settings), and
 responding to a mediate request for system information (e.g. using a dialogue box).
Forms can vary in content and complexity from a simple field to complex data entry that involves multiple data
records. Forms are often based on a visual spatial metaphor but can be implemented in other modalities (e.g.
voice user interfaces over the telephone).
Form users fill-in, select entries for, modify fields and/or use, the form to retrieve information from the system.
This part of ISO 9241 is aimed at
a) user-interface designers, who will apply it during the development process,
b) the designers of printed forms which serve as source documents,
c) buyers, who will reference it during the product procurement process,
d) evaluators responsible for ensuring products meeting its requirements and recommendations,
e) the designers of development tools to be used by interface designers, and
f) end users, who will gain from the potential benefits it provides.
This part of ISO 9241 provides requirements and recommendations concerning forms. Some of these are
conditional with respect to whether they are relevant in terms of context of use variables such as particular
kinds of users, tasks, environments or technology.
Designers using this part of ISO 9241 ought to be able to determine whether they are developing an interface
that will meet those of the standard's requirements and recommendations that are applicable. Likewise,
buyers and evaluators ought to have a means of determining how a product matches the applicable
requirements and recommendations. It is not intended that every requirement and recommendation given in
this part of ISO 9241 be applied, only those that are relevant. Annex B provides an example of a procedure for
evaluating the applicability of, and conformance with, the requirements and recommendations.
The application of this part of ISO 9241 is expected to improve the overall quality of the form, but this
International Standard (like any other standard) will not guarantee the quality of the interface. Quality depends
on specific usability criteria as set by the user, buyer or other form consumer, which may include
specifications based on this part of ISO 9241.
ISO 9241-143:2012(E)
ISO 9241-110 describes dialogue principles that are relevant for the design of forms. The principles provide
the designer and evaluator with additional information concerning the ergonomic rationale for the various
recommendations given in this part of ISO 9241 and, therefore, assist in making trade-offs. However, it is
often necessary to base trade-offs on other considerations as well.

viii © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 9241-143:2012(E)

Ergonomics of human-system interaction —
Part 143:
Forms
1 Scope
This part of ISO 9241 provides requirements and recommendations for the design and evaluation of forms —
in which the user fills-in, selects entries for, or modifies labelled fields on, a “form” or dialogue box presented
by the system. Often the system then creates or updates the data associated with the form. Form-based
entries typically are in the form of typed input (abbreviations, or full names) or selections from available option
lists.
This part of ISO 9241 is applicable to forms regardless of the modality in which they are rendered (visual,
spatial, vocal). However, much of the guidance is based on a model of visual and spatial relationship.
In addition, this part of ISO 9241 specifies the use of non-text methods for providing forms entries (e.g. list
boxes) and pertains to dialogue boxes which utilize form techniques. Guidance is provided on the selection
and design of those user-interface elements relevant to forms.
While lists used to enter forms data are covered in this part of ISO 9241, menus which are similar to lists are
outside its scope but are covered in ISO 9241-14. Neither is this part of ISO 9241 applicable to the hardware
aspects of forms.
NOTE Some of the requirements and recommendations in this part of ISO 9241 are based on Western Language
conventions. For other languages, particular requirements or recommendations might need to be modified to fit the
readability and/or text input considerations inherent in these languages.
The requirements and recommendations in this part of ISO 9241 are applicable throughout the development
process — for example, as guidance for designers during design, as a basis for heuristic evaluation, as
guidance for usability testing — and in the procurement process.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application 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 9241-12:1998, Ergonomic requirements for office work with visual display terminals (VDTs) — Part 12:
Presentation of information
ISO 9241-16, Ergonomic requirements for office work with visual display terminals (VDTs) — Part 16: Direct
manipulation dialogues
ISO 9241-171:2008, Ergonomics of human-system interaction — Part 171: Guidance on software accessibility
ISO 9241-143:2012(E)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
analogue form element
user-interface element that allows the user to select a value within a continuous range
EXAMPLE Rotary dials, slider.
3.2
check box
check button
user-interface element used to select an option that can be either {“on” or “off”} or {“yes” or “no”} with a label
(usually text) that indicates what the option is and an indicator (e.g. graphic checkmark within the individual
check box) that indicates whether or not the option is selected
NOTE 1 Check boxes in a group are independent, i.e. selecting one option does not affect the selection of other
options in that check box group. In a group of check boxes, one or many of them can be checked at the same time.
NOTE 2 Contrast with radio button (3.20).
3.3
combination box
combo box
user-interface element that combines a text field with a list box and allows the user to type input into a text
field or to select an option from a list box, which will fill in the text field
NOTE 1 A combination box typically has a label (textual or graphical) that indicates the purpose of the combination box.
NOTE 2 Contrast with list box (3.15).
3.4
default action
operation predefined for an object or set of objects (including an entire dialogue box) that will take place when
the user actuates the default action mechanism
3.5
dialogue box
subordinate form (typically presented in a separate window) that supplements and/or supports the interaction
that is taking place in the main application dialogue
NOTE If a message requires user input it could be considered a dialogue box.
3.6
dialogue
interaction between a user and an interactive system as a sequence of user actions (inputs) and system
responses (outputs) in order to achieve a goal
NOTE 1 User actions include not only entry of data but also navigational actions of the user.
NOTE 2 Dialogue refers to both the form (syntax) and the meaning (semantics) of interaction.
[ISO 9241-110:2006]
3.7
entry field
input field
field in which users can input data or edit displayed data
2 © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved

ISO 9241-143:2012(E)
NOTE 1 Entry fields can be optional or mandatory (required) fields for the user.
NOTE 2 Content can be prepopulated with a default value relevant to the task.
NOTE 3 Data in entry fields could be numerical, textual, alphanumerical, etc.; see also text field (3.29) and
ISO 9241-12:1998, 3.5.
[ISO 9241-12:1998, 3.5.1]
3.8
field
user-interface element in which data is entered or presented
NOTE Adapted from ISO 9241-12:1998.
3.9
form
structured display of fields and other user-interface elements that the user reads, fills in, selects entries for
(e.g. through check boxes or radio buttons) or modifies
3.10
form element
user-interface element applicable to forms
3.11
form structure
organization and arrangement of information on individual and sets of forms, and the interconnections among
forms for user navigation
3.12
hierarchical list
series of lists which are structured in a hierarchical or “tree-like” manner, where the selection of the initial item
leads to another list containing additional items which can lead to another list, etc., until the desired item is
located
3.13
implicit designator
portion of an option name or control label used for keyboard selection
[ISO 9241-171:2008, 3.16]
3.14
label
short descriptive title for an entry or read-only field, table, control or other user-interface element
NOTE 1 In some applications, labels are classified as protected fields.
NOTE 2 Adapted from ISO 9241-12:1998, 3.9.
3.15
list box
user-interface element that provides a presentation (usually vertical) of items from which the user can select
only one (single selection) or more than one (multiple selection)
NOTE 1 The items in the list can be represented by a text and/or graphic label.
NOTE 2 One particular instance is the drop-down list box. When a drop-down list is inactive, it displays a single value.
When activated, it displays (drops down) a list of values, from which the user can select one. When the user selects a new
value, the user-interface element reverts to its inactive state, displaying the selected value.
ISO 9241-143:2012(E)
3.16
list button
user-interface element used to access a list whereby when the button is activated, a pop-up list of items is
displayed
NOTE The list button contains the name of the currently selected list item and has a graphic (usually a bar) indicating
that additional selections are available.
3.17
name
word or phrase associated with a user-interface element and that is used to identify the element to the user
[ISO 9241-171:2008]
3.18
navigation
forms ability to move from one user-interface element to another within a form, to move throughout a form
and to move from form to form
3.19
push button
command button
user-interface element used for executing an immediate command or action
NOTE A push button typically contains a label, which can be textual and/or graphical.
3.20
radio button
user-interface element used to select an option from a group of mutually exclusive options, which has a
(usually text) label that indicates what the option is and an indicator (e.g. graphic dot) that indicates whether or
not the option is set
NOTE 1 Radio buttons exist in groups used for a “one of many” choice, where exactly one option in the group can be
selected at any time, and selecting one results in the de-selection of any different previously selected option.
NOTE 2 Contrast with check box (3.2).
3.21
read only field
protected field
field that contains data that cannot be modified by the user
NOTE Adapted from 9241-12:1998, 3.5.2.
3.22
scroll bar
user-interface element that allows a user to view objects that extend beyond the size of a displayed related
window or list by moving them into or out of the available display area
NOTE 1 A scroll bar for an area indicates whether or not additional information is available and can also indicate the
relative position of the displayed part of the information.
NOTE 2 Adapted from 9241-16:1999, 3.19.
3.23
scroll box
elevator
thumb
user-interface element in the shape of a rectangle within a scroll bar that allows the user to move to a specific
region of a displayed file by dragging the rectangle to the appropriate location within the scrollbar (shaft)
NOTE The length of the scroll box typically denotes the relative amount of material in the file (e.g. form).
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ISO 9241-143:2012(E)
3.24
selection cursor
indicator of an item whose selection state can be changed by a defined confirming action
3.25
selection indication
visual or other cue that indicates the selected element on the display, to which the user can apply a
subsequent action
[ISO 9241-16:1999, 3.21]
3.26
selection list
choice list
user-interface elements presented as a list containing a number of items from which a user can select
NOTE 1 Single selection or multiple selection can be possible. The number of items can be fixed or can change during
the dialogue.
NOTE 2 Selection lists are often presented in a box, i.e. list box 3.15.
3.27
stepper
user-interface element that allows the user to move through the available alternatives, options or values, one
at a time
NOTE 1 A stepper typically has an area that displays the current value and one or two graphical elements that allow
the user to move through the options.
NOTE 2 Steppers can be combined with data entry fields.
NOTE 3 There are various types of stepper elements including spin buttons, cycle buttons, little arrows and sliders.
3.28
tab set
user-interface element that uses a metaphor of a set of index cards with tabs to identify them
NOTE Each tab in a tab set has an associated set of displayed information and/or controls. Selection of a different
tab within the tab set allows users to move among the various sets of information and options.
3.29
text field
user-interface element that allows the user to enter character based data
NOTE A label can be used to indicate the type of information to be provided in the field.
3.30
toggle button
user-interface element that provides a choice between two states
NOTE A toggle button's two states, set and unset, are typically shown by its appearing “pushed in” or “popped out”
respectively.
3.31
user-interface element
user-interface object
entity of the user interface that is presented to the user by the software
EXAMPLE Text, graphic, control.
NOTE 1 User-interface elements can be interactive or not.
ISO 9241-143:2012(E)
NOTE 2 Both entities relevant to the task and entities of the user interface 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 User-interface elements in a graphical user interface 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.
[ISO 9241-171:2008, 3.38]
4 Forms
4.1 Selection
Forms, including dialogue boxes, should be used for structured data entry tasks requiring input or modification
of multiple data items.
A major use of forms is in entering information into forms displayed on a computer. Also, forms are often used
for data entry into a computer from a paper source document. Examples include income tax forms, registration
(school, motor vehicle) and service order completion. Another use of forms is for entering information received
over the telephone.
Dialogue boxes are commonly used for specifying application options and parameters. Also, dialogue boxes
are often appropriate for certain complex data retrieval requests where the user might find it easier to fill in
parameter information than to input the parameters via a command language.
Interface design depends upon the task, the user, the environment and the available technology.
Consequently, this part of ISO 9241 cannot be applied without knowledge of the design and use context of the
interface and it is not intended to be used as a prescriptive set of rules to be applied in their entirety (see
ISO 9241-11 and ISO 9241-210). Rather, it assumes that the designer has proper information available
concerning task and user requirements and understands the use of available technology (this may require
consultation with a qualified ergonomics professional as well as empirical testing with real users).
4.2 General requirements and recommendations
4.2.1 Form titles
Forms shall be titled unless a title would be redundant (e.g. if it is provided by the surrounding user interface).
Any title shall clearly indicate the purpose of the form and differentiate it from other forms.
NOTE 1 In visually displayed forms, titles are usually placed at the top of the form (or page in the case of a web-based
application).
NOTE 2 In window-based interfaces, the title of a form can be the window title, if the form is the only content of the
window.
NOTE 3 Forms are typically embedded in larger user interfaces, such as applications.
4.2.2 Relationship of form title to application structure
The title should provide the user with a sense of the location of the form within the application structure.
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ISO 9241-143:2012(E)
4.2.3 Visual coding
If the task requires, or is enhanced by, discrimination between user entries, defaults and previously entered
data, and the form is presented visually, distinctively different visual coding should be used.
Distinctively different visual coding shall not be limited to colour (see ISO 9241-171:2008, 10.4.1).
4.2.4 Appearance of form elements
If elements have different states, the current state of the element shall be clearly indicated by a perceptible
cue.
EXAMPLE 1 Inactive elements are dimmed.
EXAMPLE 2 In voice-based interaction, unavailable elements might not be presented but still be responded to by the
system to tell the user that the option is inactive.
EXAMPLE 3 A check box has a check or tick in it to show it has been selected.
NOTE See ISO 9241-171:2008, 8.5.4, on providing information on a state to assistive technology.
4.2.5 Form display density
Unless required by the task or context of use, forms should limit the density of the textual information
displayed.
NOTE For character density within forms, the limit of 40 % overall density, based on a percentage of the total
available form space filled, is appropriate (see ISO 9241-12:1998, 5.4.2).
4.2.6 Complexity
Complexity in dialogue boxes and forms should be appropriate for the task. If a dialogue box or form supports
basic functionality, as well as advanced, auxiliary or less frequently used functionality, it should use one of the
following to reduce the complexity:
a) an expandable form to present the advanced, auxiliary or less frequently used functionality;
b) additional forms or dialogue boxes with advanced, auxiliary or less frequently used functions, accessible
via controls within the higher level dialogue box or form;
c) a multiple-page dialogue box, with advanced, auxiliary or less frequently used functions on later pages
(e.g. tabbed dialogues, scrollable dialogues).
4.2.7 Restricting use of expanded dialogues
Dialogue box expansions and additional dialogues should be restricted to functions that are needed only by a
subset of users or that are not needed for the typical execution of a task.
4.2.8 Instructions
Access to instructions should be provided.
NOTE 1 Instructions are particularly important for helping the user to navigate through, complete, save and transmit the
form.
NOTE 2 Instructions are helpful for infrequent users and users unfamiliar with the form.
NOTE 3 A list at the beginning of the form as to the information required to complete the form is particularly useful for
blind or elderly users.
ISO 9241-143:2012(E)
NOTE 4 Instructions are helpful for any user-interface element that the user might be unfamiliar with.
NOTE 5 It is preferable to place instructions where they can most easily be used (see ISO 9241-13), without their
getting in the way of completion of the task when not needed.
4.2.9 Help
If the user of the form needs further information on how to complete an entry in the form, access to completion
assistance or Help should be provided.
EXAMPLE 1 When the user puts the cursor on the entry field, a pop-up message containing context-sensitive help is
provided.
EXAMPLE 2 The user clicks on a Help button to obtain specific guidance for completing the entry in the form.
NOTE Completion assistance is particularly helpful for blind or elderly users and non-native language speakers.
4.2.10 Overview of structure
If beneficial to task performance and if the form structure is complex, an overview of the form structure or a
visual presentation of the structure should be provided to the user.
EXAMPLE A flow diagram showing the form's structural components is provided upon request by the user.
4.2.11 Use of modal and modeless dialogue boxes
Unless it is necessary for command completion, or if important to prevent further interaction until a condition is
satisfied, modeless rather than modal dialogue boxes should be used.
NOTE 1 In modal dialogue boxes, the user completes the dialogue and closes it before continuing with the application.
These dialog boxes are best used for critical or infrequent, one-off tasks that require completion before continuing.
NOTE 2 In modeless dialogue boxes, the user is able to switch between the dialog box and the application as desired.
These dialog boxes are best used for frequent, repetitive, on-going tasks.
EXAMPLE 1 A modeless dialogue is used to allow the user to set preferences. This dialogue allows the user to
navigate within the application to determine the impact of the settings as they are made.
EXAMPLE 2 A modal dialogue is presented to prompt the user to save data that would otherwise be lost when the
user is closing a window.
4.2.12 Accessibility
Forms, dialogue boxes and their elements shall be in accordance with ISO 9241-171.
NOTE Conformity with ISO 9241-171 implies that every applicable requirement and every applicable
recommendation is met. See ISO 9241-171:2008, 7.2 for details.
4.2.13 Consistency
Behaviour (conceptual, semantic and lexical) of forms should be consistent through platforms and systems
(e.g. for mobility… PCs, PDAs, Kiosks), wherever possible.
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ISO 9241-143:2012(E)
5 Information presentation
5.1 General
ISO 9241-12 shall be consulted for general guidance on information presentation concerning forms.
NOTE Many of the recommendations in Clause 5 are intended for forms presented in the visual modality and are
based on left-to-right writing.
5.2 Layout
5.2.1 Paper document source
If a paper document is used as the source for computer input and the form is to be presented visually, the
forms screen should be designed to be consistent with the structure of the paper source document in terms of
item ordering, grouping, units for input values (e.g. millimetres or metres).
NOTE Compatibility with paper source documents is an important layout consideration. However, if the layout of the
paper source document is not compatible with efficient task performance, redesign of the source document is worthy of
consideration. If there are conflicting requirements between those filling in the paper forms (e.g. customers) and those
filling in the computer forms, it can be more important to ensure those filling in the paper forms achieve the highest
efficiency at the expense of the computer input.
5.2.2 No source document
If forms do not depend upon a source document, the following is recommended.
a) The arrangement of user-interface elements in the dialogue should be based on the sequence that is
appropriate for the written language of the user who will use the dialogue.
EXAMPLE 1    For an English-based dialogue, the elements are arranged from left to right and top to bottom.
b) Entry fields should be grouped by, e.g. function or importance, or optimized based on input sequences
from the user's point of view.
EXAMPLE 2    In
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