kSIST FprEN ISO 9241-171:2025
(Main)Ergonomics of human-system interaction - Part 171: Guidance on software accessibility (ISO/FDIS 9241-171:2025)
Ergonomics of human-system interaction - Part 171: Guidance on software accessibility (ISO/FDIS 9241-171:2025)
This document specifies requirements and gives guidelines for designing accessible software for people with the widest range of physical, sensory and cognitive abilities, including those who are temporarily or situationally disabled, and the elderly. It addresses software considerations for accessibility that complement general design for usability as addressed by parts of the ISO 9241 series, especially ISO 9241-11 and ISO 9241-210.
This document is applicable to the accessibility of interactive systems. It addresses a wide range of software (e.g. home, mobile, office, web, learning support and library systems). It promotes the increased usability of systems for a wider range of users in the widest range of contexts of use.
This document does not apply to the behaviour of, or requirements for, assistive technologies (including assistive software), but it does address the use of assistive technologies as an integrated component of interactive systems.
It is intended for use by those responsible for the specification, design, development, evaluation and procurement of software platforms and software applications.
Ergonomie der Mensch-System-Interaktion - Teil 171: Leitlinien für die Barrierefreiheit von Software (ISO/FDIS 9241-171:2025)
Dieses Dokument legt Anforderungen fest und enthält Richtlinien für die Gestaltung von Software, die für Menschen mit einem möglichst breiten Spektrum physischer, sensorischer und kognitiver Fähigkeiten barrierefrei ist, einschließlich vorübergehend oder situationsbedingt in ihren Fähigkeiten beeinträchtigter und älterer Menschen. Es enthält Überlegungen zur Softwarebarrierefreiheit, die die Festlegungen in Teilen der Normenreihe ISO 9241, insbesondere ISO 9241 11 und ISO 9241 210 zur allgemeinen Gestaltung der Gebrauchstauglichkeit ergänzen.
Dieses Dokument gilt für die Barrierefreiheit von interaktiven Systemen. Es behandelt ein breites Softwarespektrum (z. B. für Heim-, Mobil- und Büroanwendungen, das Internet, Lernunterstützung und Bibliothekssysteme). Es dient der Verbesserung der Gebrauchstauglichkeit von Systemen für eine möglichst große Anzahl von Benutzern in den unterschiedlichsten Nutzungskontexten.
Dieses Dokument gilt nicht für das Verhalten von unterstützender Technik (einschließlich unterstützender Software) noch Anforderungen daran, sondern es behandelt den Einsatz von unterstützender Technik als integrierten Bestandteil von interaktiven Systemen.
Es ist dazu bestimmt, von Personen oder Organisationen angewendet zu werden, die Verantwortung für die Spezifikation, Gestaltung, Entwicklung, Bewertung und Beschaffung von Softwarebetriebssystemen und Softwareanwendungen tragen.
Ergonomie de l'interaction homme-système - Partie 171: Lignes directrices relatives à l'accessibilité aux logiciels (ISO/FDIS 9241-171:2025)
Le présent document fournit des exigences et des lignes directrices liées à la conception de logiciels accessibles pour les personnes présentant le plus large éventail possible de capacités physiques, sensorielles et cognitives, y compris les personnes présentant des déficiences temporaires ou situationnelles, et les personnes âgées. Le présent document traite des aspects logiciels en matière d’accessibilité, qui complètent la conception générale relative à l’utilisabilité couverte par les parties de la série ISO 9241, et plus particulièrement l’ISO 9241-11 et l’ISO 9241-210.
Le présent document est applicable à l’accessibilité des systèmes interactifs. Il couvre une gamme étendue de logiciels (par exemple les logiciels utilisés au travail, à la maison, sur des appareils mobiles ou encore en ligne, l’aide à l’apprentissage et les gestionnaires de documents). Il contribue à l’amélioration de l’utilisabilité des systèmes pour une plus grande diversité d’utilisateurs dans les contextes d’utilisation les plus divers.
Le présent document ne s’applique pas au comportement ou aux exigences en matière de technologies d’aide (y compris les logiciels d’assistance), mais il traite de l’utilisation des technologies d’aide en tant que composant intégré aux systèmes interactifs.
Il est destiné aux responsables de la spécification, de la conception, du développement, de l’évaluation et de l’achat de plateformes logicielles et d’applications logicielles.
Ergonomija medsebojnega vpliva človek-sistem - 171. del: Smernice za dostopnost programske opreme (ISO/FDIS 9241-171:2025)
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Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN ISO 9241-171:2025
01-april-2025
Ergonomija medsebojnega vpliva človek-sistem - 171. del: Smernice za
dostopnost programske opreme (ISO/DIS 9241-171:2025)
Ergonomics of human-system interaction - Part 171: Guidance on software accessibility
(ISO/DIS 9241-171:2025)
Ergonomie der Mensch-System-Interaktion - Teil 171: Leitlinien für die Barrierefreiheit
von Software (ISO/DIS 9241-171:2025)
Ergonomie de l'interaction homme-système - Partie 171: Lignes directrices relatives à
l'accessibilité aux logiciels (ISO/DIS 9241-171:2025)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN ISO 9241-171
ICS:
13.180 Ergonomija Ergonomics
35.080 Programska oprema Software
35.180 Terminalska in druga IT Terminal and other
periferna oprema IT peripheral equipment
oSIST prEN ISO 9241-171:2025 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
oSIST prEN ISO 9241-171:2025
oSIST prEN ISO 9241-171:2025
DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 9241-171
ISO/TC 159/SC 4
Ergonomics of human-system
Secretariat: BSI
interaction —
Voting begins on:
Part 171: 2025-02-07
Guidance on software accessibility
Voting terminates on:
2025-05-02
Ergonomie de l'interaction homme-système —
Partie 171: Lignes directrices relatives à l'accessibilité aux
logiciels
ICS: 13.180; 35.080
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat.
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Reference number
ISO/DIS 9241-171:2025(en)
oSIST prEN ISO 9241-171:2025
DRAFT
ISO/DIS 9241-171:2025(en)
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 9241-171
ISO/TC 159/SC 4
Ergonomics of human-system
Secretariat: BSI
interaction —
Voting begins on:
Part 171:
Guidance on software accessibility
Voting terminates on:
Ergonomie de l'interaction homme-système —
Partie 171: Lignes directrices relatives à l'accessibilité aux
logiciels
ICS: 13.180; 35.080
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
© ISO 2025
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
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Published in Switzerland Reference number
ISO/DIS 9241-171:2025(en)
ii
oSIST prEN ISO 9241-171:2025
ISO/DIS 9241-171:2025(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .viii
Introduction .ix
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
3.1 Major accessibility related concepts .1
3.2 Concepts relating to interaction .3
3.3 Concepts relating to the user interface.3
3.4 Concepts relating to individualization .6
3.5 Concepts relating to accessibility features . .7
3.5.1 Major concepts relating to accessibility features .7
3.5.2 Concepts relating to visual accessibility features .7
3.5.3 Concepts relating to audio accessibility features . .8
3.5.4 Concepts relating to audiovisual accessibility features .9
3.5.5 Concepts relating to input features .9
3.5.6 Concepts relating to keyboard-based input features .10
4 Conventions .12
5 Conformance .12
6 Structure and application of this document .13
6.1 External principles and guidance . 13
6.1.1 The accessibility principles of the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
(WCAG) 2.2 . 13
6.1.2 The accessibility principles of the W3C User Agent Accessibility Guidelines
(UAAG) 2.0 . 13
6.2 The accessibility goals of ISO/IEC Guide 71 .14
6.3 The organization of the guidance in this document. 15
6.4 Achieving accessibility . 15
7 [Goal 1] Requirements and recommendations for achieving suitability for the widest
range of users' needs .16
7.1 To recognize that they are included as a system user within diverse contexts .16
7.2 To have accessible support for using the system .16
7.2.1 Describe accessibility features .16
7.2.2 Provide accessible support services .16
7.2.3 Provide accessible training material .16
7.2.4 Provide user documentation in accessible electronic form .16
7.2.5 Provide accessible feedback mechanisms .17
7.3 To have the system accessible to an individual with combinations of needs .17
8 [Goal 2] Requirements and recommendations for achieving conformity with user
expectations needs . 17
8.1 To not be surprised by the results of interactions with the system .17
8.1.1 Maintain naming consistency .17
8.1.2 Maintain location and ordering consistency .17
8.1.3 Present user notification using consistent techniques .17
8.1.4 Update equivalent alternatives for media when the media changes .18
8.1.5 Use familiar tactile patterns .18
8.1.6 Manage consistent focus .18
8.1.7 Restore state when regaining focus .18
8.1.8 Follow platform keyboard conventions .18
8.1.9 Managing changes of context .19
8.2 To apply personal knowledge and experience to interact successfully with the system .19
8.3 To provide user assistance for knowledge needed to interact with the system .19
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8.4 To provide immediate and easily accessible help or further instructions, where such
help can be provided by the system .19
9 [Goal 3] Requirements and recommendations for achieving support for individualization
needs . 20
9.1 To be provided with the way of interacting with a system that best works for them . 20
9.2 To choose between the available input/output modalities and their configuration
without requiring restart of the system. 20
9.2.1 Enable switching of input/output alternatives . 20
9.2.2 Enable revising or reassigning controls . 20
9.3 To have simultaneous use of alternate interaction modalities . 20
9.3.1 Choosing modalities to be simultaneously available . 20
9.3.2 Switching between simultaneously available modalities . 20
9.3.3 Allow user to select media streams to be presented . 20
9.4 To be provided with information on available options for interacting with a system on
which to base a choice of interaction methods .21
9.5 To be provided an accessible means to choose individualization features .21
9.5.1 Enable individualization of user-preference settings .21
9.5.2 Enable adjustment of attributes of common user-interface elements . 23
9.5.3 Enable individualization of the user interface . 23
9.6 To have individualization features maintained for future uses of the system, until
changed by the user . 23
9.6.1 Utilize user-preference profiles . 23
9.6.2 Provide a means of restoring system defaults .24
9.6.3 Minimize the need to restart for changes .24
9.7 To provide pre-defined preference profiles .24
9.8 To take or give up control of functions that could be performed by either the user or
the system .24
9.9 To have the option to use the system with a minimum of setup or configuration .24
9.10 To customize important functionality (a new UAN).24
9.10.1 Manage key input functionalities .24
9.10.2 Manage pointer functionalities . 26
9.10.3 Manage visual attributes .27
9.10.4 Manage auditory attributes . 29
9.10.5 Manage language selection . 29
9.10.6 Manage windowing functionalities . 30
9.10.7 Manage functionalities providing content alternatives .31
9.10.8 Manage animation functionalities .31
9.10.9 Adjust the scale and layout of user-interface elements as font-size changes .31
10 [Goal 4] Requirements and recommendations for achieving approachability needs .32
10.1 To have the system free from any physical barriers .32
10.2 To have the system free from any psychological barriers .32
10.3 To have the system maintain the user's attention .32
10.3.1 Engage the user's attention .32
10.3.2 Enable user rest breaks .32
10.4 To have interaction options clearly presented .32
10.5 To have appropriate levels of privacy and security . 33
10.6 To avoid patterns that cause psychological or physical discomfort or disturbance . 33
10.6.1 Avoid seizure-inducing flash rates . 33
10.7 To use the system remotely as well as directly . 33
10.8 To have the system free from environmental barriers . 33
11 [Goal5] Requirements and recommendations for achieving perceivability needs .33
11.1 To use a specific sensory modality (or a set of specific modalities) to perceive
information . 33
11.1.1 To have information presented visually . 33
11.1.2 To have visual information available in other modalities . 34
11.1.3 To have information presented in auditory form . 34
11.1.4 To have audio information available in other modalities . 34
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11.1.5 To have information in tactile form . . 35
11.1.6 To have tactile information also available in other modalities. 35
11.1.7 To experience information via multiple simultaneous modalities . 35
11.2 To have presentation attributes of a modality that match an individual's needs . 35
11.2.1 To have presentation attributes specific to the visual modality that match an
individual's needs . 35
11.2.2 To have material printed .37
11.2.3 To have sign language perceivable .37
11.2.4 To have 3-dimensional visual information presented using only two dimensions .37
11.2.5 To have presentation attributes specific to the auditory modality that match an
individual's needs .37
11.2.6 To select/deselect different audio streams . 38
11.2.7 To have presentation attributes specific to the tactile modality that match an
individual's needs . 38
11.2.8 To have visual or tactile feedback occur at the same location as the control . 38
11.3 To distinguish among the different components of information that are being presented . 38
11.3.1 To distinguish between different components without them interfering with
one another . 38
11.3.2 To prevent actions which would unintentionally decrease information
perceivability . 38
11.3.3 To locate and identify all actionable components without activating them . 38
11.3.4 To have actionable components look, sound or feel distinctive from non-
actionable components . 39
11.3.5 To have sufficient landmarks and cues to navigate to the necessary locations,
functionalities or controls to carry out a task . 39
11.3.6 To have distinct recognisable signals for different alerts or other messages that
use signals . 39
11.4 To perceive information regardless of environmental or other conditions that might
interfere . 39
11.4.1 To perceive foreground information in the presence of background information . 39
11.4.2 To avoid distractions that prevent focusing on a task . 39
11.4.3 To have accessibility features not interfere with perception of standard
information . 40
11.4.4 To have only the content necessary for the current task presented . 40
11.4.5 To have haptic input and output from devices not interfere with the perception
of information . 40
11.5 To not have one's senses overloaded . 40
11.6 To have attention drawn to critically important information in the appropriate
modality, form, and language . 40
12 [Goal 6] Requirements and recommendations for achieving understandability needs . 41
12.1 To obtain information on the system and its components and functionalities .41
12.1.1 To get an overview and to orient themselves to the system and its functions/
components .41
12.1.2 To obtain and use unique names for every user interface component .42
12.1.3 To receive training that supports an individual's cognitive needs .45
12.1.4 To receive help that supports an individual's cognitive needs .45
12.1.5 To receive recommendations that aid a user's understanding . 46
12.2 To understand information presented by the system . 46
12.2.1 To have presented information as easy to understand as possible . 46
12.2.2 To have individual linguistic requirements supported by the system .47
12.2.3 To have individual cultural requirements supported by the system .47
12.2.4 To have text alternatives be provided for all non-textual information .47
12.2.5 To have information provided pictorially as well as via text . 49
12.2.6 To customize abstract symbols with alternative representations . 49
12.2.7 To have language presented in a particular modality and format. 49
12.3 To have information that supports an individual's cognitive needs . 50
12.3.1 To have information presented in a manner that supports an individual's styles
of reasoning . 50
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12.3.2 To avoid unnecessary high cognitive demands . 50
12.3.3 To have navigation that supports an individual's thinking style . 50
12.3.4 To have assistance with remembering and recalling information .52
12.4 To have the steps for completing tasks optimized to match an individual's needs and
clearly explained .52
12.4.1 Optimize the number of steps required for any task .52
12.5 To have cues to support the individual in completing tasks .52
12.5.1 Provide notification about toggle-key status .52
12.5.2 Provide implicit or explicit designators . 53
12.5.3 Provide notification of progress . . 53
12.6 To have feedback showing the results of actions . 53
12.7 To have sufficient time to interact with the system . 54
12.7.1 To have sufficient time to understand displayed or presented information . 54
12.7.2 To have information necessary to plan actions available in advance . 54
12.7.3 To plan a series of actions in advance . 54
12.8 To access support when needed . 54
13 [Goal 7] Requirements and recommendations for achieving controllability needs .54
13.1 To use a specific sensory modality (or a set of specific sensory modalities) for inputs to
the system . 54
13.1.1 To have alternate modalities of input to the system . 54
13.1.2 To use the tactile modality as a source of inputs to the system . 55
13.1.3 To use sound as a source of inputs . 55
13.1.4 To use visual recognition as a source of inputs . 56
13.2 To control attributes of an input or interaction modality to match an individual's needs . 56
13.2.1 To have acceptable input or interaction attributes specific to the tactile modality . 56
13.2.2 To have acceptable input or interaction attributes specific to the auditory
modality . 56
13.2.3 To have acceptable input or interaction attributes specific to the visual modality . 56
13.2.4 To position system components and devices in suitable locations for their use . 56
13.3 To use a specific interaction method to provide inputs to the system . 56
13.3.1 Keyboard-based interactions . 56
13.3.2 Pointer-based interactions . 58
13.3.3 Speech-based interactions . 58
13.3.4 Gesture-based interactions .59
13.4 To perform the task using specific types of action .59
13.4.1 To have a means of shifting the focus from one interface component to another
interface component .59
13.4.2 To perform the task using various parts of the body . 60
13.4.3 To have a method to fully operate the system that does not require simultaneous
actions . 60
13.4.4 To interact with the system at one's own pace .61
13.4.5 To have a method to fully operate the system that does not require direct body
contact . 63
13.4.6 To have specific interaction features (new UAN) . 63
13.5 To perform supporting and maintenance tasks related to the use of the system that
other users are expected to undertake . 66
13.6 To control the environment (to the extent possible) to prevent interference with
performing the task . 66
13.6.1 Avoid interference with accessibility features . 66
13.7 To access the controls that allow them to turn on and adjust the built-in accessibility
features .67
13.7.1 Make controls for accessibility features discoverable and operable .67
13.7.2 Inform user of accessibility feature “On”/“Off” status.67
13.7.3 Inform user of accessibility feature activation .67
13.7.4 Provide capability to use preference settings across locations .67
13.8 To have a suitable level of autonomy . . 68
14 [Goal 8] Usability .68
14.1 To be provided a means to successfully accomplish tasks . 68
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14.2 To avoid making mistakes in completing tasks . 68
14.3 To complete tasks in an efficient manner relative to one's own abilities . 68
14.4 To perform tasks with a minimum of physical exertion . 68
14.5 To perform tasks with a minimum of cognitive exertion . 68
14.6 To operate the system without becoming fatigued . 69
14.7 To complete tasks within the available time . 69
14.8 To be satisfied with the outcome of interacting with the system . 69
14.9 To have comparable satisfaction that the system is worth using to that of other users . 69
15 [Goal 9] Error tolerance.69
15.1 To have confidence that using the system will be free from negative consequences or
unacceptable risks . 69
15.1.1 Avoiding negative consequences. 69
15.1.2 Avoiding motion sickness . 69
15.1.3 Avoiding unexpected major changes . 69
15.2 To explore a system without unintentionally activating components or their
functionality .70
15.2.1 support exploration without unintentionally activating functions .70
15.2.2 Safeguard against inadvertent activation or deactivation of accessibility features .70
15.3 To accomplish tasks in spite of the occurrence of errors .70
15.3.1 Allow warning or error information to persist.70
15.4 To detect when errors have been made .70
15.4.1 Notify the user when errors are detected .70
15.4.2 Provide information about the error that has occurred .70
15.5 To recover from errors made from interacting with the system .70
15.5.1 Facilitate navigation to the location of errors .70
15.5.2 Assist with error correction .70
15.6 To reset a system to an earlier or original condition as a means of responding to errors .71
15.7 To avoid errors by making negative consequences be obvious, easy to avoid, and
difficult to trigger .71
16 [Goal 10] Equitable use .71
16.1 To use a system in a manner that is as similar as possible to other users .71
16.2 To use a system in a manner that is equivalent to that of other users, even if the manner
of use is different .71
16.3 To have available alternate ways of interacting with a system that match a user's needs .71
16.3.1 Provide alternative means of interaction that match users' needs .71
16.3.2 Provide alternatives when assistive technology is not operable .71
17 [Goal 11] Compatibility with other systems .72
17.1 To use their own assistive products or assistive technology to interact with all the
functionalities of the system . 72
17.1.1 Make interactions available to assistive technology . 72
17.1.2 Make user-interface element information available to assistive technologies. 72
17.1.3 Make feedback and messages available to assistive technology . 73
17.1.4 Make event notification available to assistive technologies .
...
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