SIST EN ISO 9241-306:2009
Ergonomics of human-system interaction - Part 306: Field assessment methods for electronic visual displays (ISO 9241-306:2008)
Ergonomics of human-system interaction - Part 306: Field assessment methods for electronic visual displays (ISO 9241-306:2008)
This part of ISO 9241 establishes optical, geometrical and visual inspection methods for the assessment of a display in various contexts of use according to ISO 9241-303.
Ergonomie der Mensch-System-Interaktion - Teil 306: Vor-Ort-Bewertungsverfahren für elektronische optische Anzeigen (ISO 9241-306:2008)
In diesem Teil der Reihe ISO 9241-300 werden optische, geometrische und visuelle Prüfverfahren festgelegt, die zur Bewertung einer Anzeige in unterschiedlichen Einsatzbedingungen entsprechend der ergonomischen Anforderungen in ISO/DIS 9241-303 angewendet werden können.
Ergonomie de l'interaction homme/systeme - Partie 306: Méthodes d'appréciation du champ pour écrans visuels électroniques (ISO 9241-306:2008)
L‘ISO 9241-306:2008 établit les méthodes d'ajustement optique, géométrique et visuel pour l'évaluation d'un dispositif d'affichage dans divers contextes d'utilisation conformément à l'ISO 9241-303.
Ergonomija medsebojnega vpliva človek-sistem - 306. del: Metode ocenjevanja polja elektronskih slikovnih zaslonov (ISO 9241-306:2008)
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
SIST EN ISO 9241-306:2009
01-januar-2009
(UJRQRPLMDPHGVHERMQHJDYSOLYDþORYHNVLVWHPGHO 0HWRGHRFHQMHYDQMD
SROMDHOHNWURQVNLKVOLNRYQLK]DVORQRY ,62
Ergonomics of human-system interaction - Part 306: Field assessment methods for
electronic visual displays (ISO 9241-306:2008)
Ergonomie der Mensch-System-Interaktion - Teil 306: Vor-Ort-Bewertungsverfahren für
elektronische optische Anzeigen (ISO 9241-306:2008)
Ergonomie de l'interaction homme/systeme - Partie 306: Méthodes d'appréciation du
champ pour écrans visuels électroniques (ISO 9241-306:2008)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 9241-306:2008
ICS:
13.180 Ergonomija Ergonomics
35.180 Terminalska in druga IT Terminal and other
periferna oprema IT peripheral equipment
SIST EN ISO 9241-306:2009 en,fr
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
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SIST EN ISO 9241-306:2009
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SIST EN ISO 9241-306:2009
EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN ISO 9241-306
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
November 2008
ICS 13.180; 35.180
English Version
Ergonomics of human-system interaction - Part 306: Field
assessment methods for electronic visual displays (ISO 9241-
306:2008)
Ergonomie de l'interaction homme-système - Partie 306: Ergonomie der Mensch-System-Interaktion - Teil 306: Vor-
Méthodes d'appréciation sur le terrain des écrans de Ort-Bewertungsverfahren für elektronische optische
visualisation électroniques (ISO 9241-306:2008) Anzeigen (ISO 9241-306:2008)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 12 April 2008.
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 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 Management Centre has the same status as the
official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,
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© 2008 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 9241-306:2008: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
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SIST EN ISO 9241-306:2009
EN ISO 9241-306:2008 (E)
Contents Page
Foreword .3
2
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SIST EN ISO 9241-306:2009
EN ISO 9241-306:2008 (E)
Foreword
This document (EN ISO 9241-306:2008) 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 May 2009, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the
latest by May 2009.
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.
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, 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 and the United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 9241-306:2008 has been approved by CEN as a EN ISO 9241-306:2008 without any
modification.
3
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SIST EN ISO 9241-306:2009
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SIST EN ISO 9241-306:2009
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 9241-306
First edition
2008-11-15
Ergonomics of human-system
interaction —
Part 306:
Field assessment methods for electronic
visual displays
Ergonomie de l'interaction homme-système —
Partie 306: Méthodes d'appréciation sur le terrain des écrans de
visualisation électroniques
Reference number
ISO 9241-306:2008(E)
©
ISO 2008
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SIST EN ISO 9241-306:2009
ISO 9241-306:2008(E)
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ii © ISO 2008 – All rights reserved
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SIST EN ISO 9241-306:2009
ISO 9241-306:2008(E)
Contents Page
Foreword. iv
Introduction . vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions. 1
4 Preparation for assessment . 1
4.1 Cathode ray tube (CRT) displays . 1
4.2 Liquid crystal displays (LCD) . 2
5 Assessment methods. 3
5.1 Viewing conditions . 3
5.2 Luminance . 5
5.3 Special physical environments . 7
5.4 Visual artefacts . 8
5.5 Legibility and readability. 11
5.6 Legibility of information coding. 13
5.7 Legibility of graphics. 14
5.8 Fidelity . 15
6 Other considerations. 16
6.1 Isotropic surface. 16
6.2 Anisotropic surfaces . 16
6.3 Viewing angle range . 16
6.4 Adjustability . 16
6.5 Controllability. 17
6.6 Luminous environment . 17
Annex A (informative) Overview of the ISO 9241 series. 18
Annex B (informative) Influences on ergonomics parameters of visual displays. 22
Annex C (informative) Unwanted reflections. 25
Annex D (informative) Display output linearization and evaluation of achromatic ISO/IEC test
chart output for eight different ambient light reflections at office work places. 28
Bibliography . 45
© ISO 2008 – All rights reserved iii
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SIST EN ISO 9241-306:2009
ISO 9241-306:2008(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 9241-306 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 159, Ergonomics, Subcommittee SC 4,
Ergonomics of human-system interaction.
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
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SIST EN ISO 9241-306:2009
ISO 9241-306:2008(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 110: Dialogue principles
⎯ Part 151: Guidance on World Wide Web user interfaces
⎯ Part 171: Guidance on software accessibility
⎯ 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 400: Principles and requirements for physical input devices
⎯ Part 410: Design criteria for physical input devices
⎯ Part 920: Guidance on tactile and haptic interactions
For the other parts under preparation, see Annex A.
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SIST EN ISO 9241-306:2009
ISO 9241-306:2008(E)
Introduction
This part of ISO 9241 is one of a group of standards in the ISO 9241 series that establish requirements for the
ergonomic design of electronic visual displays. At the same time, this “300” subseries replaces either partially
or fully certain previously published parts of ISO 9241 as well as several other International Standards (see
the Forewords of the respective parts for the details).
⎯ An introduction to the subseries is given by ISO 9241-300.
⎯ Terms and definitions related to electronic visual displays have been transferred to, and collected in,
ISO 9241-302.
⎯ While the areas previously covered in ISO 9241 and by ISO 13406 remain essentially unchanged, test
methods and requirements have been updated to account for advances in science and technology.
⎯ All generic ergonomic requirements have been incorporated into ISO 9241-303.
⎯ The application of those requirements to different display technologies, application areas and
environmental conditions — including test methods and pass/fail criteria — are specified in ISO 9241-307.
⎯ Methods for performing formal display measurements to determine display characteristics and verify
technical specifications (tests that can be very costly and time-consuming and that are normally
performed under rigorous test conditions with a new device) are given in ISO 9241-305 and
ISO 9241-307.
⎯ In addition, guidance on the design of SED (surface-conduction electron-emitter displays) and OLED
(organic light-emitting diode) displays is given in ISO/TR 9241-308 and ISO/TR 9241-309.
The overall modular structure of the subseries will facilitate its revision and amendment, as ongoing
technological development enables new forms of display interaction.
This part of ISO 9241 is concerned with ergonomic workplace assessment and is aimed at providing a means
of assessing whether or not the visual ergonomic requirements specified in ISO 9241-303 are satisfied within
a specified task setting. The intention is not necessarily to produce a perfect display with optimum visual
characteristics, but rather to ensure that the needed qualities to perform the visual task satisfactorily are
indeed present.
During the lifetime of a display, the context in which it is used can often vary; “ageing” normally takes place as
the display is used and, as a result, the performance of the display may be reduced over time. The lighting
conditions under which a display is used often also vary.
In actual VDT workstation use, the main ergonomic concerns are the visual task being performed and the
input devices being used to accomplish the task.
There are several factors that make the performance of a visual task using a VDT different from that in many
other non-VDT or paper tasks. These factors are related to the positioning of the various elements needed for
performing the visual task.
The ergonomic goal is to be able to read the information on the display comfortably, easily, accurately and
quickly (where necessary) — as when a paper “hardcopy” placed on the work desk is read.
One consideration is what might be called the positional sensitivity of the screen. If positioned poorly, displays
are susceptible to external light sources: these can be reflected back to the viewer and can contribute to
reduced legibility of the information on the screen. In more compelling environments, these light sources can
give rise to glare. They can come from either natural light from windows or from artificial lighting systems such
as overhead mounted luminaries in offices.
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SIST EN ISO 9241-306:2009
ISO 9241-306:2008(E)
Given the size and dimensions of most displays, a display is typically oriented in a vertical rather than
horizontal position. This orientation and position of the information to be read is considerably different than
that when a book or paper placed on the desk is read. The line of sight from the eye to the visual task is raised
up to 45°, giving rise to a quite different visual background, often with a varying luminous background arising
from walls and other objects in the environment. These factors can affect the working posture of a user trying
to compensate between the line of sight angle to the display needed to be maintained and the distance to the
visual task.
These and other considerations demonstrate that the positioning of a display is much more important than the
mere positioning of paper or other hardcopy reading materials. They gives rise to the need to be able to adjust
the display for orientation and height and to have the flexibility to set up the workstation equipment so that the
needs of a specific user can be realized. The combination of display, lighting environment and workstation
equipment are the basics for an ergonomically well-designed workplace.
Unlike most visual task materials, displays are intended to be used for several years. Many other kinds of
work materials are used only once or a few times, or are renewed or refreshed when visibility is too low or
possibly too uncertain (e.g. safety instructions or warnings), or else simply remain unchanged over time.
The display assessment methods presented in this part of ISO 9241 do not, in most cases, require expensive
measuring equipment and will in general be able to be carried out easily in a working field environment. In
conducting these assessments, it ought to be possible to determine whether a problem is related to
a) the display itself (or the display in combination with the graphic adapter),
b) the application software, or
c) physical environmental conditions.
In cases involving a), the display, it is beneficial that the workstation set-up be reviewed to determine whether
it meets the supplier’s recommendations; if it does not, another assessment will need to be performed to
determine how it can be made to meet them. In cases involving b), the application software, it might be
necessary to contact the software developers of the application product in order to ascertain possible
corrective action. In cases involving c), conditions in the physical environment, simple re-orientations or the
repositioning of the workstation and/or display can be a satisfactory solution; whereas, in more complex
situations, arrangements might need to be made with the relevant interested parties in order to ascertain
appropriate actions and their feasibility. For details, see Annex B.
ISO 9241 was originally developed as a 17-part International Standard on the ergonomics requirements for
office work with visual display terminals. As part of the standards review process, a major restructuring of
ISO 9241 was agreed to broaden its scope, to incorporate other relevant standards and to make it more
usable. The general title of the revised ISO 9241, Ergonomics of human-system interaction, reflects these
changes and aligns the standard with the overall title and scope of Technical Committee ISO/TC 159,
Ergonomics, Subcommittee SC 4, Ergonomics of human-system interaction. The revised multipart standard is
structured as a series of standards numbered in the “hundreds”: the 100 series deals with software interfaces,
the 200 series with human centred design, the 300 series with visual displays, the 400 series with physical
input devices and so on.
See Annex A for an overview of the entire ISO 9241 series.
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SIST EN ISO 9241-306:2009
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SIST EN ISO 9241-306:2009
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 9241-306:2008(E)
Ergonomics of human-system interaction —
Part 306:
Field assessment methods for electronic visual displays
1 Scope
This part of ISO 9241 establishes optical, geometrical and visual inspection methods for the assessment of a
display in various contexts of use according to ISO 9241-303.
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 9241-302, Ergonomics of human-system interaction — Part 302: Terminology for electronic visual
displays
ISO 9241-303:2008, Ergonomics of human-system interaction — Part 303: Requirements for electronic visual
displays
ISO 9241-305, Ergonomics of human-system interaction — Part 305: Optical laboratory test methods for
electronic visual displays
ISO 9241-307, Ergonomics of human-system interaction — Part 307: Analysis and compliance test methods
for electronic visual displays
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 9241-302 apply.
4 Preparation for assessment
4.1 Cathode ray tube (CRT) displays
4.1.1 Display warm-up
Allow sufficient time (at least 20 min) for the display luminance to stabilize.
4.1.2 Degaussing
If a monitor has a built-in degaussing device, activate it.
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SIST EN ISO 9241-306:2009
ISO 9241-306:2008(E)
4.1.3 Cleaning
Ensure that the front glass of the display is clean; otherwise, clean it according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
4.1.4 Contrast and brightness control settings
Adapt display contrast and brightness using contrast and brightness screen controllers according to the
environmental lighting conditions, as follows:
⎯ use a pattern that contains areas of different grey scale values from white to black;
⎯ set both contrast and brightness to maximum (100 %);
⎯ in a dark environment, reduce brightness until the darkest pattern area is displayed completely black —
the difference between the darkest and the next lighter area should be distinguishable;
⎯ set the contrast so that the brightness of the white area is at the maximum while the difference between
the white and the next darker area is distinguishable;
⎯ in a non-dark environment, set the brightness to a value where all grey levels are distinguishable.
4.1.5 Image size
Use factory or default setting if available. Otherwise, adjust to a specified size.
4.2 Liquid crystal displays (LCD)
The flat panel display shall be physically prepared for assessment.
4.2.1 Display warm-up
Allow sufficient time (at least 20 min) for the display luminance to stabilize. When indicated by the
manufacturer, it shall be warmed up for the specified time.
4.2.2 Cleaning
Ensure that the display is clean; otherwise, clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4.2.3 Contrast and brightness control settings
Adapt display brightness and contrast (if controllers are available) according to the environmental lighting
conditions, as follows:
⎯ use a pattern that contains areas of different grey scale values from white to black;
⎯ set both contrast and brightness to maximum (100 %);
⎯ set contrast to a value where all grey levels are distinguishable;
⎯ display the content of a typical application and set brightness to a level appropriate to the lighting
conditions.
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SIST EN ISO 9241-306:2009
ISO 9241-306:2008(E)
4.2.4 Resolution
Use the factory-recommended (physical) resolution. Changing this native resolution to another can cause a
degradation of the display image quality and character presentation, due to imperfect pixel interpolation
(see Figure 1).
physical reduced
Figure 1 — Comparison of letters displayed with physical and reduced resolutions
5 Assessment methods
5.1 Viewing conditions
5.1.1 Design viewing distance
The optimum distance between the visual display and the user's eyes depends on various factors, and in
particular character legibility (see Table 1) and the possibility of viewing a full application without head
movement (see Table 2). The design viewing distance, i.e. the distance specified by the manufacturer of the
display is set to W 300 mm (see ISO 9241-303). The optimum viewing distance for office work in a seated
position is 600 mm. However, individual users tend to prefer settings between 400 mm and 750 mm. Viewing
distances in this range for most people require character heights that subtend between 20′ to 22′ of arc (see
ISO 9241-303).
Check whether the display is used within the specified viewing distance, D. Measure the distance from the
user's eyes to the centre of the screen with a ruler. For office work, the normal range is 400 mm to 750 mm: if
the chosen distance is outside of this range, verify that there is not an underlying problem, such as bad image
quality, incorrect font size or an uncorrected vision problem.
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SIST EN ISO 9241-306:2009
ISO 9241-306:2008(E)
If the visual task requires that the entire application, i.e. its page or line width, is viewed at a glance, i.e.
without head movements, the minimum viewing distances from Table 2 are recommended. They result from
the maximum horizontal viewing angle of ± 15° with respect to the normal on the screen surface, which allows
such viewing at a glance and depends on screen size. Figure 2 shows the relation between viewing angle,
application width and viewing distance.
Table 1 — Maximum and optimum viewing distances for character legibility
Maximum viewing distance for some Viewing distance of generally accepted
Character height
users legibility
mm
cm cm
1,2 41 20
2 69 33
3 103 49
4 138 65
4,6 158 75
NOTE 1 The maximum viewing distance is based on character height of 10′ of arc and is usable only by a small number of users.
Generally accepted legibility, i.e. one that is well accepted by most users, is calculated based on 21′ of arc. The optimum character
height for task performance is a compromise between the legibility goal and the goal of “surveying at a glance” — presenting all
information related to the same context on the same screen.
NOTE 2 The simplified rule of thumb for character legibility is: for optimum legibility, viewing distance ≈ 165 × character height:
⎯ acceptable range ≈ ± 30 % for most users;
⎯ acceptable range ≈ ± 100 % for some users.
Table 2 — The smallest viewing distance at which the full application width can be used without need
for head movement
Width of the application (or page or line) Minimum viewing distance in order to avoid head movement
mm cm
215 40
250 47
300 56
350 65
400 75
NOTE 1 The relationship is based on the ± 15° requirement illustrated by Figure 2.
NOTE 2 In the field, it can be convenient to use
...
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