ISO 24553:2023

Ergonomics — Accessible design — Ease of operation

This document provides ergonomic requirements and recommendations for increasing accessibility in terms of ease of operation through the design of products and controls of daily use. It is intended to aid the design of products and equipment that can be handled and manipulated easily and comfortably by people with the widest range of physical characteristics, capabilities and limitations across the widest age range. The requirements and recommendations specified in this document are based on general accessibility considerations as well as specific design considerations based on human physical characteristics, capabilities and limitations related to the operation of products and equipment, such as body size, strength, reach range and dexterity. Some considerations of cognitive factors are also presented. Products and equipment for professional use only, as well as those used only by technical experts, are not covered in this document. Design aspects related only to information and marking are not included. This document includes no general ergonomic requirements or recommendations for manual handling, working postures or safety of machinery but the contents are based on general knowledge of those issues. NOTE ISO 11226, ISO 11228-1, ISO 11228-2, ISO 11228-3, EN 894-3+A1, EN 1005-2, EN 1005-3, EN 1005-4 and EN 1005-5 provide ergonomic requirements and recommendations for manual handling, working postures and safety of machinery.

Ergonomie — Conception accessible — Facilité d'emploi

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 13-Feb-2023
• ICS: 13.180 - Ergonomics
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 159/SC 3 - Anthropometry and biomechanics
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 159/SC 3/WG 4 - Human physical strength: manual handling and force limits
• Current Stage: 6060 - International Standard published
• Start Date: 14-Feb-2023
• Due Date: 09-Sep-2022
• Completion Date: 14-Feb-2023

Standards Content (Sample)

2022-07-2910-03
ISO/FDIS 24553:2022(E)
ISO/TC 159/SC 3
Secretariat: JISC
Ergonomics — Accessible design — Ease of operation

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ISO/FDIS 24553:2022(E)
© ISO 20202022, 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. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
[e-mail]
www.iso.org
ii © ISO 2022 – All rights reserved

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ISO/FDIS 24553:2022(E)
Contents
Foreword . iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 General requirements . 2
4.1 General . 2
4.2 Layout of controls and control panels . 2
4.3 Strength required for operation . 3
4.4 Dexterity . 4
4.5 Avoidance of simultaneous multiple operations . 4
4.6 Provision of multiple means of operation . 4
4.7 Provision of feedback . 5
4.8 Logical process . 5
4.9 Safety and a fail-safe mechanism . 6
4.10 Other (assembling, installation, storage and maintenance) . 7
5 Ergonomic requirements and recommendations for ease of operation . 7
5.1 General . 7
5.2 Holding, lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling with hands or feet . 8
5.2.1 Shape and size of products . 8
5.2.2 Mass to hold, to lift and to carry with hands . 8
5.2.3 Strength (pushing or pulling with hands or feet) . 8
5.3 Gripping, grasping, rotating, twisting, pushing or pulling (with fingers), pinching,
sliding and touching . 9
5.3.1 Shape and size of products, controls and control panels . 9
5.3.2 Strength (hands and fingers) . 10
5.4 Reach range . 11
5.4.1 Height of operation plane of products, controls and control panels . 11
5.4.2 Reach range of the upper limbs . 11
5.4.3 Useful field of view for finding products, controls and control panels . 11
Annex A (informative) Design items to consider accessibility of products related to ease of
operation . 13
Annex B (informative) Reference data for human physical characteristics and strength. 15
Annex C (informative) Textual descriptions of figures in Annex B.3 . 50
Bibliography . 74

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ISO/FDIS 24553:2022(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 3,
Anthropometry and biomechanics.
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.
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ISO/FDIS 24553:2022(E)
Introduction
Operation of products and equipment used in everyday life requires a range of human physical
characteristics and capabilities. The range is broad, including very limited capabilities among parts of the
population. To improve operating accessibility, products and equipment must be designed using
ergonomic principles related to physical characteristics, capabilities and limitations among populations.
This document provides ergonomic considerations for design to increase the operating accessibility of
products and equipment specific to human physical characteristics, capabilities and limitations (e.g. body
size, reach range, strength, dexterity).
This document adopts the guidance on accessibility given in ISO/IEC Guide 71 and ergonomics data given
in ISO/TR 22411.
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FINAL DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/FDIS 24553:2022(E)

Ergonomics — Accessible design — Ease of operation
1 Scope
This document provides ergonomic requirements and recommendations for increasing accessibility in
terms of ease of operation through the design of products and controls of daily use. It is intended to aid
the design of products and equipment that can be handled and manipulated easily and comfortably by
people with the widest range of physical characteristics, capabilities and limitations across the widest
age range.
The requirements and recommendations specified in this document are based on general accessibility
considerations as well as specific design considerations based on human physical characteristics,
capabilities and limitations related to the operation of products and equipment, such as body size,
strength, reach range and dexterity. Some considerations of cognitive factors are also presented.
Products and equipment for professional use only, as well as those used only by technical experts, are not
covered in this document. Design aspects related only to information and marking are not included.
This document includes no general ergonomic requirements or recommendations for manual handling,
working postures or safety of machinery but the contents are based on general knowledge of those issues.
NOTE ISO 11226, ISO 11228--1, ISO 11228--2, ISO 11228--3, EN 894-3+A1, EN 1005--2, EN 1005--3, EN 1005--4
and EN 1005-5 provide ergonomic requirements and recommendations for manual handling, working postures and
safety of machinery.
2 Normative references
ISO 20282--1:2006, Ease of operation of everyday products — Part 1: Design requirements for context of
use and user characteristics
IEC 63008:2020, Household and similar electrical appliances — Accessibility of control elements, doors, lids,
drawers and handles
EN 301 549, V3.1.1:2019, Accessibility requirements for ICT products and services
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
control
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ISO/FDIS 24553:2022(E)
element of a product with which a user operates the product
EXAMPLES Buttons, levers, knobs.
3.2
control panel
board that integrates controls, including information and marking
3.3
information and marking
visual or tactile characters and symbols, written or spoken instructions, and other indicators provided
with the product to assist the user with its operation and use
EXAMPLES Labels, meters, indicators.
3.4
operation
action that a user performs to achieve an intended goal supported by the predefined behaviour of the
product
EXAMPLES Lifting, lowering, carrying, gripping, rotating, pushing, sliding, touching.
Note 1 to entry: See Annex A.
3.5
ease of operation
extent to which a product, control or control panel is used with ease and comfort
4 General requirements
4.1 General
Subclauses 4.2 to 4.10 provide general accessibility requirements and recommendations for ease of
operation. The design of products, controls and control panels shall take into account these requirements
and recommendations.
Considerations on user characteristics related to everyday products shall be in accordance with
ISO 20282--1:2006, Clause 7.
Safety issues in general shall take precedence over any accessibility requirements and recommendations.
4.2 Layout of controls and control panels
Placing a control and a control panel for users to access without bending or stretching increases
accessibility, accommodating the widest range of seated and standing anthropometry (including use of a
wheelchair) to the product. A control or control panel that is prominent and identifiable also increases
accessibility. See also 5.4.
The following specific design requirements and recommendations are intended to increase accessibility
related to location and layout of a control or control panel:
— The position of a product's control or control panel should be recognizable from the user’s field of
view when he or she is looking at the whole product. See 5.4.3.
— The top–bottom and left–right orientation of a control panel shall be identifiable.
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ISO/FDIS 24553:2022(E)
EXAMPLE A tactile marking at the top of a control panel to show upwards for people with limited visual
abilities.
— A product control or control panel shall be located within reach of a user's position. See 5.4.1 and
5.4.2.
— A product control or control panel should be identifiable by its particular shape.
EXAMPLE An input control with a large push-button.
— A control should be located in a position that is not hidden by the user’s hands during operation.
NOTE Operation includes actions of various types, such as with a single hand, both hands and hands with low
dexterity, and some actions interfere with seeing or touching a control.
— A control or control panel should have sufficient spacing around it so that the user’s fingers or hands
do not interfere with the operation or with nearby controls or control panels.
— The layout of a control or control panel should be logical and consistent with regard to frequency and
process of use.
EXAMPLE Controls aligned in a sequential order or placed in a group, along with frequency of use.
— Controls should be grouped by a common shape, size and colour when coordinated in operation.
— Each control should have a single function.
— When more than one function is assigned to a single control, information and marking shall be
provided to show the functions.
— Specific controls such as keyboard keys or buttons in a control panel of a product which serve as
"“home"” keys or buttons should be identifiable with surface features facilitating tactile
identification.
EXAMPLE A raised dot on the "“5"” key in a numeric keypad.
4.3 Strength required for operation
Considerations of population strength characteristics, such as age, sex and physical capabilities and
limitations, for operation of a product and controls that require user strength output (e.g. holding,
gripping, pushing, sliding) increase accessibility.
The following specific design requirements and recommendations are intended to increase accessibility
related to human strength. For the strength of each particular action, see Clause 5.
— Strength for operating a product should be set at the minimum suitable force required for comfort
control.
— A product that needs excessive strength for operation should have an additional device to assist,
thereby decreasing the required strength.
NOTE 1 Some people with physical limitations of the upper or lower limbs, in particular people with
rheumatism or spinal cord injuries, are unable to operate some products.
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ISO/FDIS 24553:2022(E)
— When operation of a product requires opening and closing, the actions should require minimal
strength to be accessible by the widest range of population (e.g. age, sex, strength limitations), except
where a fail-safe mechanism and safety considerations are needed (see 4.9).
— Products, controls and control panels shall have a non-slippery surface finish with purchase for
hands or fingers to make operation easier for people with muscle strength limitations.
— When a product uses a touch screen, care should be taken with the appropriate pressing strength.
4.4 Dexterity
Considerations of user’s finger or hand dexterity increases accessibility to ease operation for the widest
range of users, including people with dexterity limitations.
The following specific design requirements and recommendations are intended to increase accessibility
related to dexterity:
— A control should be designed to be operated by people with the widest range of dexterity capabilities
and limitations, including those in a higher age range or with compromised dexterity abilities.
— A control that needs fine dexterity for operation should have an assistive tool or an indicator, such as
a visual scale, to guide the operation.
— Use of different time durations for different operations on the same control, such as a long and a short
pressing time, should be avoided except for particular case likecases, such as avoiding incorrect
operation or using long and a short pressing timetimes to denote different control functions (such as
in touch screens).
NOTE The dexterity is sometimes negatively affected by wearing gloves.
4.5 Avoidance of simultaneous multiple operations
Multiple operations should not be imposed at one time on one operating part of a product.
The following specific design requirements and recommendations are intended to increase accessibility
related to avoidance of simultaneous multiple operations:
— Simultaneous multiple operations, such as pressing and rotating, should not be used except to ensure
safety and to prevent misuse, for example in the case of child-resistant products.
— An alternative method of operation should be provided when simultaneous multiple operations are
provided (see 4.6).
4.6 Provision of multiple means of operation
Provision of multiple means for operating a product or control increases accessibility, enabling the widest
range of users to use the product.
The following specific design requirements and recommendations are intended to increase accessibility
related to multiple means of operation:
— A product should have multiple means of operation for its main parts.
EXAMPLE 1 An input control using either a keyboard, a touch screen or a voice input.
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ISO/FDIS 24553:2022(E)
EXAMPLE 2 Operation which requires touching with two fingers can be carried out by touching with just one
finger.
— Compatibility with assistive devices for people with physical limitations should be made possible.
4.7 Provision of feedback
Provision of feedback for operating a control increases accessibility.
The following specific design requirements and recommendations relatedrelate to the provision of
feedback:
— Operation of a control should prompt acceptance or response feedback to the user through multiple
means of information (e.g. visual, auditory or, tactile/ or haptic).
EXAMPLE A response to show “accepted” or “error” by means of a visual display or an auditory signal.
— For a series of operations, feedback should be given to the user after each operation, together with
information related to the status or stage of the operation.
— For a cyclic series of operations, information related to a starting and an ending stage should be
provided.
EXAMPLE A rotating dial control that stops at an ending stage.
— Reaction time for feedback shall be constant for a group of related operations.
— Tactile or haptic feedback should be used for people with limited visual or hearing abilities.
EXAMPLE A short vibration used for a touch screen input device when operated with a finger.
— When tactile vibration is used as feedback, care should be taken to avoid excessive vibration that
causes discomfort and other problems for human touch.
— The direction and amount of movement of a control should correlate with the resulting change(s) in
a product or an indicator.
EXAMPLE Clockwise rotation of a control denoted by a clockwise turning scale.
4.8 Logical process
Provision of logical and straightforward processes for operating a product increases accessibility when a
sequence of operations is required.
The following specific design requirements or recommendations are intended to increase accessibility
related to the logical process of operating a product:
— Complicated multiple steps in hierarchical processes for operating a product should be avoided.
— Unnecessary repeated actions shall be avoided. If repeated actions are necessary, the times repetition
is necessary should be reduced.
EXAMPLE Use of a single combined operation when the operation is always followed by two or three of the
same sequential operations except for ensuring safety.
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ISO/FDIS 24553:2022(E)
— An “undo” function shall be possible for a sequence of operations to stop at any stage and to restart
the sequence from the first operation.
EXAMPLE A press button provided to return to the initial stage of a series of operations at any time.
— A set duration of a timed response for an operation shall be sufficiently long to allow an unfamiliar
or untrained user to operate it comfortably. Notification of a limited time or a residual time for the
operation as well as manual setting for a preferred time by a user should be provided.
— Programmable settings for frequent sequential operations should be provided. The programme
should be able to be easily started and edited by a user.
NOTE A set of sequential operations fixed in a programme is effective for people with limited cognitive abilities.
— The shape and placement of a control or control panel should be designed so the user intuitively
understands the action which is necessary for its operation.
EXAMPLE A small tab attached to a package that is meant to be pulled.
— A paired operation of a product should be used for easy and intuitive understanding of the mutual
relation of the operations.
EXAMPLE A control using a toggle switch for “ON” and “OFF”, “UP” and “DOWN” or “LEFT and RIGHT”.
4.9 Safety and a fail-safe mechanism
Considerations to ensure safety and a fail-safe mechanism increase accessibility.
The following specific design requirements and recommendations are intended to increase accessibility
related to safety and a fail-safe mechanism.:
— A control should be designed to be operated with the minimum suitable force that avoids inadvertent
and unintentional activation.
NOTE People with limited visual abilities can press control buttons unintentionally.
— Reach range, body size and the user position shall be designed to avoid unintentional activation of a
control.
— A control shall be placed apart from other controls or have a lock mechanism or a cover to avoid
unintentional operation.
EXAMPLE 1 A nurse call button in a hospital that is isolated from other controls.
EXAMPLE 2 A lighter with a child-resistant mechanism that is difficult for a child to ignite.
EXAMPLE 3 An emergency push-button with a cover to avoid inadvertent operation.
— A product shall be designed to stop its operation in a safe and non-harmful state after incorrect
operation.
— Warning or caution shall be provided to inform users of the state of a product through multiple means
of sensory information.
— A fail-safe mechanism shall apply to a control, control panel, or product.
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ISO/FDIS 24553:2022(E)
EXAMPLE A microwave oven that stops warming when the door is opened.
— When incorrect operation occurs in a series of operations, undoing from any point should be made
possible.
— Sharp points or sharp edges shall be avoided when designing a product, a control or a control panel.
— Readily visible warning labels explaining the product mass and operation requirements shall be
provided when necessary.
EXAMPLE A package that has a label showing mass and a warning.
4.10 Other (assembling, installation, storage and maintenance)
The following specific design requirements and recommendations are intended to increase accessibility
related to assembling, installation, storage and maintenance of a product.
— The size, shape and mass of a product shall be designed for easy holding, lifting and carrying (see
5.2).
— A handle or catch for easy holding, lifting and carrying, if attached to a product, should be designed
for easy grasping by hands or fingers and for keeping a mass in balance. A heavy product should be
provided with additional mechanisms for easy manual handling, for example casters (see 5.2).
— When assembling a product, control, control panel or any other part of a product should be
distinguishable in shape and colour for easy understanding of the assembly process.
— A product should be designed for easy installation, mounting and decomposition. Connection of
wiring or attachments should also be easy.
— The layout and process of storing a product shall be easy and understandable.
EXAMPLE The packaging of a product which has instructions for storage.
5 Ergonomic requirements and recommendations for ease of operation
5.1 General
Subclauses 5.2 to 5.4 provide ergonomic requirements and recommendations with regard to physical
actions for ease of operation when designing products, controls and control panels. Annex A provides a
list of design items and human abilities to be considered for accessibility. Annex B provides relevant data
of human abilities with figural representations and Annex C textural descriptions of the figures for people
with difficulties in visually retrieving the figural information.
For household and similar appliances, in particular their controls such as handles, doors, drawers and
lids, the accessibility requirements given in IEC 63008:2020, Clauses 5 to 7 shall apply.
For ICT products, in particular operating parts, the accessibility requirements given in EN 301 549,
V3.1.1:2019, 5.5 to 5.9 shall apply.
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ISO/FDIS 24553:2022(E)
5.2 Holding, lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling with hands or feet
5.2.1 Shape and size of products
A product that is operated by holding, lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling with hands or feet should have
a shape and size suitable for these actions to be easily performed by the widest range of users, taking
account of the direction of force, range of movement and posture required to perform the action.
5.2.2 Mass to hold, to lift and to carry with hands
A product that is operated by holding, lifting and carrying with hands should have a mass suitable for
these actions to be easily performed by the widest range of users, taking account of position of the action
(e.g. height), direction of force and posture required to perform the action. The acceptable mass should
be based on population strength data, including age differences, sex differences and the effects of physical
limitations.
A product that has a mass that is difficult or impossible to hold, lift or carry should have a mechanical
assisting device, such as a handle or a grip, for ease of action, or should be provided with other means of
transportation.
NOTE 1 Data related to the acceptable mass for lifting with two hands and for carrying with one or two hands for
[ [15][16] ]
male or female persons of different ages have been reported by HQL . . The data are useful for designing the
mass of a whole product or a package that is lifted or carried by hand. See B.3.1 and B.3.2.
NOTE 2 Data related to the maximum strength for lifting a crate in a standing posture for male or female persons
of different heights (high, middletall, medium and lowshort) and for different gripping types (side-gripping and
bottom-gripping) has been provided by DIN 33411--5. Male persons exert higher strength than female persons do.
The middle height condition is optimum for yielding lifting strength for both male and female persons. No significant
difference is found between side-gripping and bottom-gripping. The data are useful for setting a limit for the mass
of a product for lifting. See B.3.3.
NOTE 3 ISO 11228-1 defines 5 kg as a reference mass for the evaluation of lifting and lowering strength in non-
occupational use for children and older people. It also describes 3 kg as a lower limit for applying the standard.
5.2.3 Strength (pushing or pulling with hands or feet)
A product that is operated by pushing or pulling with the hands or feet should be sufficiently strong to
make these actions suitable and easy for the widest range of users, taking account of the direction of force,
range of movement and posture required to perform these actions. The acceptable strength should be
based on population data that include age differences, sex differences and the effects of physical
limitations.
NOTE 1 Data related to the maximum strength for pushing or pulling with one or two hands for male and female
[20] [ [21] ]
persons of different ages have been reported by DTI and TU Delft . . The stren
...

FINAL
INTERNATIONAL ISO/FDIS
DRAFT
STANDARD 24553
ISO/TC 159/SC 3
Ergonomics — Accessible design —
Secretariat: JISC
Ease of operation
Voting begins on:
2022-10-17
Voting terminates on:
2022-12-12
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO
SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION
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THEY ARE AWARE AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING
DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
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BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO-
ISO/FDIS 24553:2022(E)
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES,
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON
OCCASION HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE
LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL TO BECOME STAN-
DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
NATIONAL REGULATIONS. © ISO 2022

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ISO/FDIS 24553:2022(E)
FINAL
INTERNATIONAL ISO/FDIS
DRAFT
STANDARD 24553
ISO/TC 159/SC 3
Ergonomics — Accessible design —
Secretariat: JISC
Ease of operation
Voting begins on:
Voting terminates on:
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© ISO 2022
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
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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.
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO
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DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON
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DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
ii
  © ISO 2022 – All rights reserved
NATIONAL REGULATIONS. © ISO 2022

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ISO/FDIS 24553:2022(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 General requirements . 2
4.1 General . 2
4.2 Layout of controls and control panels . 2
4.3 Strength required for operation . 3
4.4 Dexterity . 3
4.5 Avoidance of simultaneous multiple operations . 4
4.6 Provision of multiple means of operation . 4
4.7 Provision of feedback . 4
4.8 Logical process . 5
4.9 Safety and a fail-safe mechanism. 5
4.10 Other (assembling, installation, storage and maintenance) . 6
5 Ergonomic requirements and recommendations for ease of operation .6
5.1 General . 6
5.2 Holding, lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling with hands or feet . 7
5.2.1 Shape and size of products . 7
5.2.2 Mass to hold, to lift and to carry with hands . 7
5.2.3 Strength (pushing or pulling with hands or feet) . 7
5.3 Gripping, grasping, rotating, twisting, pushing or pulling (with fingers), pinching,
sliding and touching . 8
5.3.1 Shape and size of products, controls and control panels . 8
5.3.2 Strength (hands and fingers) . 9
5.4 Reach range . 10
5.4.1 Height of operation plane of products, controls and control panels . 10
5.4.2 Reach range of the upper limbs . 10
5.4.3 Useful field of view for finding products, controls and control panels . 10
Annex A (informative) Design items to consider accessibility of products related to ease of
operation .11
Annex B (informative) Reference data for human physical characteristics and strength .12
Annex C (informative) Textual descriptions of figures in Annex B.3 .36
Bibliography .58
iii
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ISO/FDIS 24553:2022(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 non­governmental, 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
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on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
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www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 159, Ergonomics, Subcommittee SC 3,
Anthropometry and biomechanics.
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.
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ISO/FDIS 24553:2022(E)
Introduction
Operation of products and equipment used in everyday life requires a range of human physical
characteristics and capabilities. The range is broad, including very limited capabilities among parts of
the population. To improve operating accessibility, products and equipment must be designed using
ergonomic principles related to physical characteristics, capabilities and limitations among populations.
This document provides ergonomic considerations for design to increase the operating accessibility of
products and equipment specific to human physical characteristics, capabilities and limitations (e.g.
body size, reach range, strength, dexterity).
This document adopts the guidance on accessibility given in ISO/IEC Guide 71 and ergonomics data
given in ISO/TR 22411.
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FINAL DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/FDIS 24553:2022(E)
Ergonomics — Accessible design — Ease of operation
1 Scope
This document provides ergonomic requirements and recommendations for increasing accessibility in
terms of ease of operation through the design of products and controls of daily use. It is intended to aid
the design of products and equipment that can be handled and manipulated easily and comfortably by
people with the widest range of physical characteristics, capabilities and limitations across the widest
age range.
The requirements and recommendations specified in this document are based on general accessibility
considerations as well as specific design considerations based on human physical characteristics,
capabilities and limitations related to the operation of products and equipment, such as body size,
strength, reach range and dexterity. Some considerations of cognitive factors are also presented.
Products and equipment for professional use only, as well as those used only by technical experts, are
not covered in this document. Design aspects related only to information and marking are not included.
This document includes no general ergonomic requirements or recommendations for manual handling,
working postures or safety of machinery but the contents are based on general knowledge of those
issues.
NOTE ISO 11226, ISO 11228­1, ISO 11228­2, ISO 11228­3, EN 894­3+A1, EN 1005­2, EN 1005­3, EN 1005­4
and EN 1005-5 provide ergonomic requirements and recommendations for manual handling, working postures
and safety of machinery.
2 Normative references
ISO 20282­1:2006, Ease of operation of everyday products — Part 1: Design requirements for context of
use and user characteristics
IEC 63008:2020, Household and similar electrical appliances — Accessibility of control elements, doors,
lids, drawers and handles
EN 301 549, V3.1.1:2019, Accessibility requirements for ICT products and services
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
control
element of a product with which a user operates the product
EXAMPLE Buttons, levers, knobs.
3.2
control panel
board that integrates controls, including information and marking
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ISO/FDIS 24553:2022(E)
3.3
information and marking
visual or tactile characters and symbols, written or spoken instructions, and other indicators provided
with the product to assist the user with its operation and use
EXAMPLE Labels, meters, indicators.
3.4
operation
action that a user performs to achieve an intended goal supported by the predefined behaviour of the
product
EXAMPLE Lifting, lowering, carrying, gripping, rotating, pushing, sliding, touching.
Note 1 to entry: See Annex A.
3.5
ease of operation
extent to which a product, control or control panel is used with ease and comfort
4 General requirements
4.1 General
Subclauses 4.2 to 4.10 provide general accessibility requirements and recommendations for ease
of operation. The design of products, controls and control panels shall take into account these
requirements and recommendations.
Considerations on user characteristics related to everyday products shall be in accordance with
ISO 20282­1:2006, Clause 7.
Safety issues in general shall take precedence over any accessibility requirements and recommendations.
4.2 Layout of controls and control panels
Placing a control and a control panel for users to access without bending or stretching increases
accessibility, accommodating the widest range of seated and standing anthropometry (including use of
a wheelchair) to the product. A control or control panel that is prominent and identifiable also increases
accessibility. See also 5.4.
The following specific design requirements and recommendations are intended to increase accessibility
related to location and layout of a control or control panel:
— The position of a product's control or control panel should be recognizable from the user’s field of
view when he or she is looking at the whole product. See 5.4.3.
— The top–bottom and left–right orientation of a control panel shall be identifiable.
EXAMPLE A tactile marking at the top of a control panel to show upwards for people with limited visual
abilities.
— A product control or control panel shall be located within reach of a user's position. See 5.4.1 and
5.4.2.
— A product control or control panel should be identifiable by its particular shape.
EXAMPLE An input control with a large push­button.
— A control should be located in a position that is not hidden by the user’s hands during operation.
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ISO/FDIS 24553:2022(E)
NOTE Operation includes actions of various types, such as with a single hand, both hands and hands
with low dexterity, and some actions interfere with seeing or touching a control.
— A control or control panel should have sufficient spacing around it so that the user’s fingers or hands
do not interfere with the operation or with nearby controls or control panels.
— The layout of a control or control panel should be logical and consistent with regard to frequency
and process of use.
EXAMPLE Controls aligned in a sequential order or placed in a group, along with frequency of use.
— Controls should be grouped by a common shape, size and colour when coordinated in operation.
— Each control should have a single function.
— When more than one function is assigned to a single control, information and marking shall be
provided to show the functions.
— Specific controls such as keyboard keys or buttons in a control panel of a product which serve as
“home” keys or buttons should be identifiable with surface features facilitating tactile identification.
EXAMPLE A raised dot on the “5” key in a numeric keypad.
4.3 Strength required for operation
Considerations of population strength characteristics, such as age, sex and physical capabilities and
limitations, for operation of a product and controls that require user strength output (e.g. holding,
gripping, pushing, sliding) increase accessibility.
The following specific design requirements and recommendations are intended to increase accessibility
related to human strength. For the strength of each particular action, see Clause 5.
— Strength for operating a product should be set at the minimum suitable force required for comfort
control.
— A product that needs excessive strength for operation should have an additional device to assist,
thereby decreasing the required strength.
NOTE Some people with physical limitations of the upper or lower limbs, in particular people with
rheumatism or spinal cord injuries, are unable to operate some products.
— When operation of a product requires opening and closing, the actions should require minimal
strength to be accessible by the widest range of population (e.g. age, sex, strength limitations),
except where a fail-safe mechanism and safety considerations are needed (see 4.9).
— Products, controls and control panels shall have a non-slippery surface finish with purchase for
hands or fingers to make operation easier for people with muscle strength limitations.
— When a product uses a touch screen, care should be taken with the appropriate pressing strength.
4.4 Dexterity
Considerations of user’s finger or hand dexterity increases accessibility to ease operation for the widest
range of users, including people with dexterity limitations.
The following specific design requirements and recommendations are intended to increase accessibility
related to dexterity:
— A control should be designed to be operated by people with the widest range of dexterity capabilities
and limitations, including those in a higher age range or with compromised dexterity abilities.
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— A control that needs fine dexterity for operation should have an assistive tool or an indicator, such
as a visual scale, to guide the operation.
— Use of different time durations for different operations on the same control, such as a long and
a short pressing time, should be avoided except for particular cases, such as avoiding incorrect
operation or using long and short pressing times to denote different control functions (such as in
touch screens).
NOTE The dexterity is sometimes negatively affected by wearing gloves.
4.5 Avoidance of simultaneous multiple operations
Multiple operations should not be imposed at one time on one operating part of a product.
The following specific design requirements and recommendations are intended to increase accessibility
related to avoidance of simultaneous multiple operations:
— Simultaneous multiple operations, such as pressing and rotating, should not be used except to
ensure safety and to prevent misuse, for example in the case of child-resistant products.
— An alternative method of operation should be provided when simultaneous multiple operations are
provided (see 4.6).
4.6 Provision of multiple means of operation
Provision of multiple means for operating a product or control increases accessibility, enabling the
widest range of users to use the product.
The following specific design requirements and recommendations are intended to increase accessibility
related to multiple means of operation:
— A product should have multiple means of operation for its main parts.
EXAMPLE 1 An input control using either a keyboard, a touch screen or a voice input.
EXAMPLE 2 Operation which requires touching with two fingers can be carried out by touching with just
one finger.
— Compatibility with assistive devices for people with physical limitations should be made possible.
4.7 Provision of feedback
Provision of feedback for operating a control increases accessibility.
The following specific design requirements and recommendations relate to the provision of feedback:
— Operation of a control should prompt acceptance or response feedback to the user through multiple
means of information (e.g. visual, auditory, tactile or haptic).
EXAMPLE A response to show “accepted” or “error” by means of a visual display or an auditory signal.
— For a series of operations, feedback should be given to the user after each operation, together with
information related to the status or stage of the operation.
— For a cyclic series of operations, information related to a starting and an ending stage should be
provided.
EXAMPLE A rotating dial control that stops at an ending stage.
— Reaction time for feedback shall be constant for a group of related operations.
— Tactile or haptic feedback should be used for people with limited visual or hearing abilities.
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EXAMPLE A short vibration used for a touch screen input device when operated with a finger.
— When tactile vibration is used as feedback, care should be taken to avoid excessive vibration that
causes discomfort and other problems for human touch.
— The direction and amount of movement of a control should correlate with the resulting change(s) in
a product or an indicator.
EXAMPLE Clockwise rotation of a control denoted by a clockwise turning scale.
4.8 Logical process
Provision of logical and straightforward processes for operating a product increases accessibility when
a sequence of operations is required.
The following specific design requirements or recommendations are intended to increase accessibility
related to the logical process of operating a product:
— Complicated multiple steps in hierarchical processes for operating a product should be avoided.
— Unnecessary repeated actions shall be avoided. If repeated actions are necessary, the times
repetition is necessary should be reduced.
EXAMPLE Use of a single combined operation when the operation is always followed by two or three of
the same sequential operations except for ensuring safety.
— An “undo” function shall be possible for a sequence of operations to stop at any stage and to restart
the sequence from the first operation.
EXAMPLE A press button provided to return to the initial stage of a series of operations at any time.
— A set duration of a timed response for an operation shall be sufficiently long to allow an unfamiliar
or untrained user to operate it comfortably. Notification of a limited time or a residual time for the
operation as well as manual setting for a preferred time by a user should be provided.
— Programmable settings for frequent sequential operations should be provided. The programme
should be able to be easily started and edited by a user.
NOTE A set of sequential operations fixed in a programme is effective for people with limited cognitive
abilities.
— The shape and placement of a control or control panel should be designed so the user intuitively
understands the action which is necessary for its operation.
EXAMPLE A small tab attached to a package that is meant to be pulled.
— A paired operation of a product should be used for easy and intuitive understanding of the mutual
relation of the operations.
EXAMPLE A control using a toggle switch for “ON” and “OFF”, “UP” and “DOWN” or “LEFT and RIGHT”.
4.9 Safety and a fail-safe mechanism
Considerations to ensure safety and a fail-safe mechanism increase accessibility.
The following specific design requirements and recommendations are intended to increase accessibility
related to safety and a fail-safe mechanism:
— A control should be designed to be operated with the minimum suitable force that avoids inadvertent
and unintentional activation.
NOTE People with limited visual abilities can press control buttons unintentionally.
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ISO/FDIS 24553:2022(E)
— Reach range, body size and the user position shall be designed to avoid unintentional activation of a
control.
— A control shall be placed apart from other controls or have a lock mechanism or a cover to avoid
unintentional operation.
EXAMPLE 1 A nurse call button in a hospital that is isolated from other controls.
EXAMPLE 2 A lighter with a child-resistant mechanism that is difficult for a child to ignite.
EXAMPLE 3 An emergency push-button with a cover to avoid inadvertent operation.
— A product shall be designed to stop its operation in a safe and non­harmful state after incorrect
operation.
— Warning or caution shall be provided to inform users of the state of a product through multiple
means of sensory information.
— A fail-safe mechanism shall apply to a control, control panel or product.
EXAMPLE A microwave oven that stops warming when the door is opened.
— When incorrect operation occurs in a series of operations, undoing from any point should be made
possible.
— Sharp points or sharp edges shall be avoided when designing a product, a control or a control panel.
— Readily visible warning labels explaining the product mass and operation requirements shall be
provided when necessary.
EXAMPLE A package that has a label showing mass and a warning.
4.10 Other (assembling, installation, storage and maintenance)
The following specific design requirements and recommendations are intended to increase accessibility
related to assembling, installation, storage and maintenance of a product.
— The size, shape and mass of a product shall be designed for easy holding, lifting and carrying (see
5.2).
— A handle or catch for easy holding, lifting and carrying, if attached to a product, should be designed
for easy grasping by hands or fingers and for keeping a mass in balance. A heavy product should be
provided with additional mechanisms for easy manual handling, for example casters (see 5.2).
— When assembling a product, control, control panel or any other part of a product should be
distinguishable in shape and colour for easy understanding of the assembly process.
— A product should be designed for easy installation, mounting and decomposition. Connection of
wiring or attachments should also be easy.
— The layout and process of storing a product shall be easy and understandable.
EXAMPLE The packaging of a product which has instructions for storage.
5 Ergonomic requirements and recommendations for ease of operation
5.1 General
Subclauses 5.2 to 5.4 provide ergonomic requirements and recommendations with regard to physical
actions for ease of operation when designing products, controls and control panels. Annex A provides
a list of design items and human abilities to be considered for accessibility. Annex B provides relevant
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data of human abilities with figural representations and Annex C textural descriptions of the figures for
people with difficulties in visually retrieving the figural information.
For household and similar appliances, in particular their controls such as handles, doors, drawers and
lids, the accessibility requirements given in IEC 63008:2020, Clauses 5 to 7 shall apply.
For ICT products, in particular operating parts, the accessibility requirements given in EN 301 549,
V3.1.1:2019, 5.5 to 5.9 shall apply.
5.2 Holding, lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling with hands or feet
5.2.1 Shape and size of products
A product that is operated by holding, lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling with hands or feet should
have a shape and size suitable for these actions to be easily performed by the widest range of users,
taking account of the direction of force, range of movement and posture required to perform the action.
5.2.2 Mass to hold, to lift and to carry with hands
A product that is operated by holding, lifting and carrying with hands should have a mass suitable for
these actions to be easily performed by the widest range of users, taking account
...