SIST EN ISO 9241-14:2001
(Main)Ergonomic requirements for office work with visual display terminals (VDTs) - Part 14: Menu dialogues (ISO 9241-14:1995)
Ergonomic requirements for office work with visual display terminals (VDTs) - Part 14: Menu dialogues (ISO 9241-14:1995)
Migrated from Progress Sheet (TC Comment) (2000-07-10): Following BT 125/1992, this part of ISO 9241 will undergo a parallel CEN/ISO ++ voting procedure.
Exigences ergonomiques pour travail de bureau avec terminaux a écrans de visualisation (TEV) - Partie 14: Dialogues de type menu (ISO 9241-14:1995)
La CEI 61969-1:2011 fournit des lignes directrices pour la conception des enveloppes de plein air et s'applique à un vaste domaine d'équipement mécanique, électromécanique et électronique et à leur installation en configuration modulaire. Le but de cette norme est de fournir un ensemble de spécifications pour les enveloppes, spécialement pour ce qui concerne les contraintes propres aux applications de plein air pour une utilisation à poste fixe dans les lieux exposés aux intempéries. Ces enveloppes sont supposées contenir des équipements et protéger les installations situées en plein air contre les effets environnementaux indésirables. L'équipement installé peut, mais sans que ce soit limitatif, correspondre dimensionnellement aux bacs selon la CEI 60917-2-2 ou la CEI 60297-3-101. Cette deuxième édition annule et remplace la première édition, parue en 1999, dont elle constitue une révision technique. Les principaux changements techniques par rapport à l'édition précédente sont les suivants:
- Ajout de lignes directrices pour la conception de la gestion thermique et la suppression du bruit, puisque la gestion thermique/bruit sont souvent considérés comme correspondant à une exigence fondamentale d'une enveloppe de plein air vide. Si les composantes de la gestion thermique sont incluses dans la définition, l'impact environnemental peut devenir de la responsabilité du fournisseur de l'enveloppe de plein air vide. Par conséquent, les limites acoustiques doivent être observées. Généralement, l'utilisateur de l'enveloppe de plein air vide suit les exigences acoustiques réglementaires locales (puissance sonore et/ou pression sonore). Les mesures acoustiques peuvent être réalisées sur l'enveloppe de plein air vide équipée des composantes de gestion thermique uniquement ou, si cela est convenu entre le fournisseur et l'utilisateur à l'étape finale de l'installation spécifique à l'application.
- À l'origine, l'Éd 1 était prévue pour créer un marché pour les enveloppes de plein air vide que proposaient de nombreux vendeurs. Des normes particulières telles que la CEI 61969-2-1 Éd 1 et la CEI 61969-2-2 Éd 1 devaient orienter les utilisateurs vers des solutions préférentielles et disponibles sur le marché. Toutefois, le développement a montré que cet objectif (élaboré avec la participation de l'utilisateur) n'a pas répondu aux attentes de l'utilisateur. En conséquence, les normes particulières CEI 61969-2-1 Éd 1 et CEI 61969-2-2 Éd 1 seront supprimées au moment où sera publiée la CEI 61969-2 Éd 2. Les dimensions de coordination faisant l'objet de la CEI 61969-2 Éd 2 sont fondées sur la CEI 60917-1. La définition des coffrets de plein air et celle des armoires de plein air ont fusionné pour donner lieu à la définition des enveloppes de plein air.
Ergonomske zahteve za pisarniško delo s slikovno zaslonsko opremo - 14. del: Dialog z uporabo menijev (ISO 9241-14:1995)
General Information
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-junij-2001
Ergonomske zahteve za pisarniško delo s slikovno zaslonsko opremo - 14. del:
Dialog z uporabo menijev (ISO 9241-14:1995)
Ergonomic requirements for office work with visual display terminals (VDTs) - Part 14:
Menu dialogues (ISO 9241-14:1995)
Exigences ergonomiques pour travail de bureau avec terminaux a écrans de
visualisation (TEV) - Partie 14: Dialogues de type menu (ISO 9241-14:1995)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 9241-14:1999
ICS:
13.180 Ergonomija Ergonomics
35.180 Terminalska in druga IT Terminal and other
periferna oprema IT peripheral equipment
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
INTERNATIONAL IS0
92414 4
STANDARD
First edition
1997-06-01
Ergonomic requirements for office work
with visual display terminals (VDTs) -
Part 14:
Menu dialogues
Exigences ergonomiques pour travail de bureau avec terminaux 2 kcrans
de visualisa tion (TEV) -
Parfie 14: Dialogues de type menu
Reference number
IS0 924+14:1997(E)
IS0 924%14:1997( E)
Contents Page
---_________________---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------~--------.-
I Scope 1
--------------------------------------------------- -----------I-y-------------------
2 Normative reference -------------- 2
----------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------
3 Definitions 2
Application of ISO 9241-14-------------------------------- --------------------___________________I-,------.-------,---
4 5
-------------------------------------.-------------.- ----
41 . 5
Appropriateness of menu dialogues ------------------------
------------------------------ --------------------------------------.--------.-,-------
42 . 6
Applying the recommendations
____________________-------------------------------- ------------___---__------------,-------.----
Evaluation of products
43 .
------__-----_---___--------- ----
Menu structure ____________________----------------------------------------------------
5 6
------------____--__------------------,----
51 . Structuring into levels and menus (overall structure) --------------- 6
-----------------___----------------------~,---------
Grouping options within a menu--------------------------------
52 . 7
Sequencing ofoptions within groups ____________________-------------- --------_---____---_-----------------------
53 . 8
-------------------_------------------------~-----
Menu navigation ____________________---------------------------------
6 9
Navigational cues ______________________ - ____________________---------------------- ------__----_____-__----------------
61 . 9
Rapid navigation ____________________------------------------------------ ------------____-___------------------------.--
62 .
------------------__---------- ------
Option selection and execution-------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------
71 . Selection methods --------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Alphanumeric keyboard ________----------------
72 . 13
------------______________________ _
____________________---------------------------------
73 . Function keys
__ _
------------ -------___.-___________
Cursor key selection _________________-- -----------------
74 .
--------------------------------------------,- _
------____--____--__---------------------------
75 . Pointing
0 IS0 1997
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or
utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and
microfilm, without permission in writing from the publisher.
International Organization for Standardization
Case postale 56 l CH-1211 Geneve 20 l Switzerland
Internet central @ isoch
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Printed in Switzerland
0 IS0 IS0 9241=14:1997(E)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.6 Voice
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8 Menu presentation
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8.1 Option accessibility and discrimination
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8.2 Placement
---------------------------------------------------------------~~------------------
8.3 Text option structure and syntax
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8.4 Graphic option structure and syntax 25
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
8.5 Auditory option structure and syntax 25
Annex A (informative) Sample procedure for assessing applicability and adherence ------------------------27
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Annex B (informative) Examples of applying IS0 924 I- 14 46
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Annex C (informative) Bibliography
IS0 9241=14:1997(E) 0 IS0
Foreword
IS0 (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national
standards bodies (IS0 member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally
carried out through IS0 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. IS0 collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all
matters of electrotechnical standardization.
Draft International Standards adopted by the technical committees are circulated to member bodies for
voting. Publication as an International Standard requires approval by at least 75% of the member
bodies casting a vote.
International Standard IS0 9241-14 was prepared by the Technical Committee ISO/TCl59,
Ergonomics, Subcommittee SC4, Ergonomics of human-system interaction.
IS0 9241 consists of the following parts, under the general title Ergonomic requirements for office
work with visual display terminals (VDTs) -
Part 1: General
Part 2. Guidance on task requirements
Part 3: Visual display requirements
Part 4. Keyboard requirements
Part 5: Workstation layout and postural requirements
requirements
Part 6: Environmental
Part 7: Requirements for display with reflection
Part 8: Req uirements or displayed colours
f
Part 9: Requirements for nonkeyboard input devices
Part IO: Dialogue principles
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
Annexes A to C of this part of IS0 9241 are for information only.
iv
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Introduction
International Standard IS0 9241 deals with several aspects of the use of VDTs. Currently, the
individual parts can be grouped in the following categories:
IS0 924 I - 1: Introduction
IS0 924 l-2: Guidance on task requirements
IS0 9241-5 and -6: Workstation and environment
IS0 9241-3,-4,- 7,- 8 and -9: Ergonomics pertaining to hardware
IS0 924 l-l 0 through -17: Ergonomics pertaining to software interfaces
IS0 9241-14 is concerned with the ergonomic design of menu dialogues. In menu dialogues, the
dialogue system presents one or more groups of options to the user, the user chooses one or more
options, and the computer executes the desired process denoted by the option(s).
IS0 924 l-l 4 serves the following types of user:
l the user interface designer, who will apply IS0 9241-14 during the development process;
l the buyer, who will reference IS0 924 l-14 during the product procurement process;
l evaluators responsible for ensuring products meet the recommendations in IS0 924 l-l 4,
l designers of user interface development tools to be used by interface designers;
l end users who will gain from the potential benefits provided by the standard.
IS0 9241-14 consists of a number of recommendations, some of which are conditional, concerning
menus. Conditional recommendations are recommendations that should be met only within the
specific context for which they are relevant (e.g., particular kinds of users, tasks, environments,
technology). These recommendations were developed primarily by reviewing the existing relevant
literature and empirical evidence, then generalizing and formulating this work into recommendations.
The source of the evidence for the individual recommendations can be found in annex C.
Differences in the relative importance of the task, user, environment, and technology in the design
process are inevitable and have led to the “if - then” structure of many of the conditional
“If rapid search time is important, then place as many options and
recommendations. For example,
levels as possible on a single menu panel.” This method provides practical, usable and unambiguous
guidance during user interface design.
Designers and evaluators using IS0 924 l-l 4 need to know that they are developing an interface that
will meet the recommendations provided in this part. Likewise, the buyer needs a means to determine
how a product matches the recommendations in IS0 924 l-l 4. The elements can be tailored due to the
“if - then” structure in IS0 924 1- 14. Additionally, it is not the intent of IS0 924 l-l 4 that every
recommendation should be applied, only those that are relevant.
The application of IS0 9241-14 is expected to improve the overall quality of the menus, but this
standard (like any other standard) will not guarantee the quality of the interface. Quality depends on
V
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IS0 9241=14:1997(E)
specific usability criteria as set by the user, buyer or other menu dialogue consumer which may
include specifications based on this standard.
It should be noted that IS0 9241-l 0 describes dialogue principles that are relevant for the design of
menu dialogues. These principles should provide the designer and evaluator with additional
information concerning the ergonomic rationale for the various recommendations in IS0 924 1- 14 and,
therefore, assist in making tradeoffs. However, it may be necessary to base tradeoffs on other
considerations as well.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD o IS0
IS0 9241=14:1997(E)
Ergonomic requirements for office work with visual display
terminals (VDTs) -
Part 14:
Menu dialogues
1 Scope
This part of IS0 9241 provides conditional recommendations for menus used in user-computer
dialogues to accomplish typical office tasks. The recommendations cover menus presented by various
techniques including windowing, panels, buttons, fields, etc. These recommendations can be utilized
throughout the design process (e.g., as guidance for designers during design, as a basis for heuristic
evaluation, as guidance for usability testing).
Interface design depends upon the task, the user, the environment, and the available technology.
Consequently, IS0 9241-14 cannot be applied without a knowledge of the design and use context of
the interface and it is not intended to be used as a prescriptive set of rules to be applied in their
entirety. Rather, it assumes that the designer has proper information available concerning task and
user requirements and understands the use of available technology (this may require consultation with
a qualified ergonomics professional as well as empirical testing with real users).
Although this is an International Standard, some of the conditional recommendations are based on
Latin-based language usage and may not apply, or may need to be modified, for use with a different
language. For example, in right-to-left languages those conditional recommendations oriented towards
left-to-right reading may need to be modified and adapted. In applying those conditional
recommendations that assume a specific language base (e.g., alphabetic ordering of menu options,
concerning the intent of the standard when translation is
compound titles), care should be taken
required to a different language.
The recommendations relate to the three major design components of user interfaces, i.e., dialogue,
input, and output.
Dialogue design determines the way in which a user is guided by the system to make inputs and
influences the amount of control the user has over the dialogue. The dialogue should be designed to
support the user in his/her actual work without the user being bothered by additional work caused by
system peculiarities. Menu dialogue design is covered in this part of IS0 9241 in terms of designing
the menu structure, providing facilities for menu navigation and defining the selection methods for
menu options.
Input design is concerned with how users input information into the system using various input
devices. Menu options can be selected by means of one or more input devices such as an
alphanumeric keyboard, function keys, cursor keys, pointing devices and voice (other devices are not
excluded) depending on the task at hand and dialogue requirements, as well as on individual
preferences. IS0 9241-14 provides conditional recommendations for the use of each of the input
devices listed above.
Output design is concerned with how data should be presented consistently and perceptibly distinct on
the display. IS0 9241-14 provides conditional recommendations for the placement of options and
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option groups, the structure and syntax for textual, graphic and auditory options and presentation
techniques to indicate option accessibility and discrimination.
Providing users with the capability to alter the interface to suit their own needs has become a popular
approach to software interface design. This is often a desirable feature of the interface. However,
providing users with customization capabilities is not an acceptable substitute for ergonomically
designed initial menus (i.e., default menus). It should be noted that customization of the menus may
result in deviations from IS0 9241-14. Therefore, customization options also should be evaluated
with respect to the recommendations in IS0 924 l-14.
2 Normative reference
The following standard contains provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions
of this part of IS0 924 1. At the time of publication, the edition indicated was valid. All standards are
subject to revision, and parties to agreements based on this part of IS0 9241 are encouraged to
investigate the possibility of applying the most recent edition of the standard indicated below.
Members of IEC and IS0 maintain registers of currently valid International Standards.
Ergonomic requirements for office work with visual display terminals (VDTs) -
IS0 924 1 -S:--,1
Part 8: Requirements for displayed colours.
3 Definitions
For the purposes of this part of IS0 9241, the following definitions apply.
3.1 accelerator keys: Key combinations (sometimes called “shortcut keys”) which invoke a menu
option without displaying the menu on which the option appears or intermediate menus.
3.2 cascading menu panels: Menu panels in a menu hierarchy displayed so that each submenu
originates adjacent to the choice selected from the higher level menu (suggesting a “cascading”
effect).
3.3 critical option: Option with significant positive impact on system or task performance, or which
can halt or reverse significant degradation to system or task performance (e.g. save the user or the
system from disaster).
3.4 destructive option: Option which can seriously degrade system or task performance, or destroy
work or data (e.g. deleting a file).
3.5 hierarchical menus: Series of menus which are structured in a hierarchical or “tree-like”
manner, where the selection of an initial option leads to another menu containing additional options,
which may lead to another menu, etc., until the desired results are obtained.
3.6 level: Nesting order within a menu hierarchy. The first choice level (initial, or main menu) in the
hierarchy would be level 1, the next choice level (obtained by a selection of a level 1 option) would be
level 2, etc.
See figure 1 for an example of a two-level hierarchy displayed on the same menu panel.
NOTE 1
NOTE 2 If several groups of options are presented on a menu panel, but a selection from any of these groups
would lead to a lower level menu, these groups would be considered as at the same level.
’ To be published.
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3.7 level of experience: The relative amount of experience of (different) user segments of the user
population.
NOTE:
The experience level of the user on computer systems as well as the experience level with the task
domain are important considerations when
deciding upon appropriate menu dialogue techniques.
3.8 list: Horizontal or vertical presentation of “data” items in a display which usually changes
according to the states of the application.
NOTE: Although in some cases items can be selected from a list, only where items in the list are arranged or
structured to optimize item choice such lists are considered menus. Additionally, those lists of items which
exceed the display area (often called “scrollable menus”) should be considered lists and not menus. (Lists are
covered in IS0 9241-12.)
3.9 menu: Set of selectable options.
NOTE: Menu options may be presented to the user by means of visual display devices (textually or
symbolically), or audibly. A menu may contain multiple option groups, but unless only one choice is allowed
across groups, each group would be considered a menu. Highlighted words, symbols, or other material in texts
(sometimes called “implicit” or “embedded” menus) are not considered menus within the context of
IS0 9241-14.
3.10 menu access: Method by which the user obtains the menu.
NOTE: Typical means for access ing menus include:
keyinlg in keywords or com:mand words or their abbreviations (e.g., command-line input);
pressirrg an appropriate key or button (e.g. function key, mouse button);
l locating and selecting a specific position or object on the screen with a pointing device (or directly with the
finger);
vocal request.
3.11 menu bar: Horizontal set of options, usually located at the top of a work area or window, which
invoke lower-level pull-down menus or initiate specific actions.
3.12 menu map: Graphical representation of a menu structure.
3.13 menu option: Selectable choice presented (textually, symbolically, or auditory) within a menu
panel.
3.14 menu panel: Portion of the menu structure presented to the user at a given point in time
NOTE 1: Menu panel also pertains to the portion of an auditory menu (sequence of options) presented to a user
in a time segment.
levels of the menu structu re are displayed on a menu pane 1. In figu re 2,
NOTE 2: In figure 1, two complete
th e lower level of Category B is d
although the full top level of the same structure is di splayed, only isplayed.
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w
Menu Title
Category A Category B Category C
Bl Option
Al Option Cl Option
A2 Option B2 Option C2 Option
A3 Option B3 Option C3 Option
B4 Option C4 Option
A4 Option
A5 Option C5 Option
Menu Panel depicting two levels of the menu hierarchy
Figure l-
I
Category A
Bl Option
I
Figure 2 - A pull-down menu panel with the “Category B” option selected and displayed
3.15 menu structure: Relationships among a set of menus.
EXAMPLE: Hierarchical tree structure or network structure.
3.16 multiple selection: Selection of more than one option at a time from a menu before execution.
3.17 navigation: Orientation within a menu structure, movement from option to option within a
menu panel and movement from menu panel to menu panel within a menu structure.
3.18 network menus: Series of menus structured as a network (consisting of a set of nodes and a set
of links connecting the related nodes) providing redundant pathways to either all or some of the
menus within the structure.
EXAMPLE: In a financial information system, consumer spending option categories that can be accessed both
from the financial and the consumer higher-level menus.
3.19 option designator: Code, abbreviation, or a portion of the option name used to designate
uniquely each option on a menu.
NOTE: An option designator may be explicit or implicit.
An explicit designator is an option code or abbreviation, set apart (usually to the left) from the option name,
typed in for selection.
EXAMPLE: P Print
An implicit designator is the portion of an option name which can be used for keyboard selection (e.g., indicated
by highlighting this portion).
EXAMPLE: print
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function is
3.20 option execution: Action used to execute the selected option(s) (i.e., the requested
performed).
NOTE: Option se1 ection and execution may be performed by the same user act (e.g., key press). (Also see
“option selection”, below.
)
3.21 option group: Group of options within a menu.
NOTE: Menus and menu panels may contain more than one option group.
3.22 option label: Name displayed in a menu to identify a specific menu option.
3.23 option selection: Action by which the user indicates his/her choice of one or more options from
the menu. (Also see “option execution” above.)
3.24 pop-up menu: Menu displayed (“popped-up”) at a specific location on the screen (e.g., near an
object or next to a pointer) when a particular condition occurs, a button is engaged, or a command is
executed.
3.25 pull-down menu: Menu displayed (“pulled-down”) by selecting an option from a horizontal
menu (typically from a menu bar) at the top of the screen or window.
NOTE: Pull-down menus can have multiple levels.
3.26 screen button: Labelled screen graphic, intended to represent control buttons, typically selected
or cursor keys, and executed by a pointing device button or the “Enter”
by means of a pointing device
.
key
NOTE: Screen buttons may represent menu options or commands.
4 Application of IS0 9241-14
4.1 Appropriateness of menu dialogues
Menu dialogues are especially appropriate for one or more of the following conditions, which have
been grouped to reflect user, task and system issues. The applicability of menus becomes greater as
more conditions are met.
a) User and organizational characteristics
1. Training needs to be minimized.
2. Users have little or no typing skills.
3. Users have little or no experience with the application.
b) Task characteristics
1. Use of the system application is infrequent and the user typically needs guidance as to available
options.
2. A limited number of choices are relevant for accomplishing the task within a specific context.
(Some task sequences may, however, be such that a menu dialogue is not appropriate.)
3. The primary task requires the use of non-keyboard pointing devices.
4. Default or current options must be displayed to perform the task effectively.
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5. The command set is too large to commit al 1 commands to memory in the overall application.
c) System capabilities
1. The system has a limited keyboard.
2. System response time to acknowledge the activation of the menu choice(s) is appropriate for the
task (e.g. within 2 s).
4.2 Applying the recommendations
General ergonomic design objectives are provided in each of clauses 5 through 8. The individual
recommendations aimed at achieving these objectives should be applied within the specific context
for which they are relevant (e.g., particular kinds of users, tasks, environments, technology). The
format for the individual recommendations is: statement of the recommendation, example (if
appropriate), and notes (if appropriate). In addition, those clauses in clause 7 (Option selection and
execution) that provide recommendations concerning a particular selection method also contain notes
at the beginning of the subclause pertaining to the appropriateness of that particular method.
Examples provided for the various recommendations generally depict an implementation that
embodies the recommendation. Some examples also indicate preferred solutions.
Individual recommendations should be evaluated for their applicability and, if judged to be
applicable, should be implemented in the relevant menu dialogue unless there is evidence that to do so
would cause deviation from the design objectives or would result in an overall degradation in
usability. When determining applicability, the recommendations generally should be evaluated in the
order presented in the relevant clause or subclause. In judging whether applicable recommendations
have been met, evaluators should evaluate the product or observe representative users of the product
in the context of accomplishing the user’s tasks via the menu system. Sample procedures which
support the determination of applicability and for determining whether a recommendation has been
followed are provided in annex A.
4.3 Evaluation of products
If a product is claimed to have met the applicable recommendations in this part of IS0 9241, the
procedure used in establishing requirements for, developing, and/or evaluating the menus shall be
specified. The level of specification of the procedure is a matter of negotiation between the involved
parties.
Users of this part of IS0 9241 can either utilize the procedures provided in annex A, or develop
another procedure tailored to their particular development and/or evaluation environment.
5 Menu structure
Usually the number of options is too large to present them efficiently in a single menu panel.
Therefore it is often necessary to design a menu structure (hierarchical, network, or other logical
structure) and to place options into groups. It should be noted that while option categorization may
appear logical to the designer, that categorization may not necessarily be evident to the user.
5.1 Structuring into levels and menus (overall structure)
Subclause 5.1 covers overall structure, 5.2 pertains to the grouping of options and their presentation in
menu panels, and 5.3 concerns the sequencing of options within a group.
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Menu structures should reflect user expectations and facilitate the user’s ability to find and to select
menu options relevant for the task and should support the user’s flow of work.
5.1.1 Conventional categories
If options can be arranged into conventional or natural groups known to users, options should be
organized into levels and menus consistent with that order.
NOTE: In an inventory system, office machines, furniture and expendables are the first level options and each of
these are broken down into options representing the specific inventory item types.
EXAMPLE: Office machines is broken down into computers, typewriters, printers, copiers.
5.1.2 Logical categories
If options have no conventional grouping or structure, but can be grouped or ordered in a manner
which is unambiguous and easily learned by the user population, options should be organized to
minimize the number of levels and maximize the number of options per menu.
EXAMPLE: Placing “object” options in one group and “action” options in another is an example of structuring
into logical categories based on functional relationships.
NOTE: The number of options placed in a given menu depends both on the display space available and the
discriminability of the individual options.
5.1.3 Arbitrary grouping
If options cannot be grouped into categories which are unambiguous or apparent to users (typically,
because users are unsure of how the desired option will be described), options should be arranged
consistently (e.g., alphabetically, numerically) into groups of four to eight options per level. Breaking
options into small groups may facilitate search strategies when option comparisons take time (e.g.
when options are lengthy or the user is unsure of how the desired option will be described).
text-TV information retrieval system) where users are not sure of
EXAMPLE: An information system (e.g., a
how information of interest will be described.
NOTE: Although many levels can result using the above approach in some cases, the effect of such depth is less
important in arbitrary grouped opti ons th an in 1 ogically grouped options.
5.1.4 Search time considerations
If rapid search time is important, as many options and levels as possible should be placed on a single
visually displayed menu panel. Individual options and option groups should be visually distinct. (Also
see 8.2.)
“scrollable menus”) would time, consider not
increase search
NOTE: Since scrollable lists (sometimes called
using them where rapid search time is important.
5.2 Grouping options within a menu
Menu options should be grouped within a menu to reflect user expectations and facilitate option
search.
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5.2.1 Logical groups
If the menu contains a large number of options (eight or more) and these options can be logically
grouped, options should be grouped by function or into other logical categories which are meaningful
to users.
EXAMPLE: Grouping the commands in a word processing system into such categories as customize, compose,
edit, print.
5.2.2 Arbitrary groups
If 8 or more options are arranged arbitrarily in a menu panel, they should be arranged into equally
distributed groups utilizing the following equation:
where
g is the number of groups,
n is the number of options on the panel.
EXAMPLE: Given 19 options in a menu panel, arrange them in four groups of about five options each.
5.3 Sequencing of options within groups
Options should be sequenced within an option group to facilitate option search and task performance.
NOTE: Except for consistency (5.3. l), it may be necessary to compare the relative appropriateness of the
sequencing approaches (i.e. perform “tradeoffs”) for the users and tasks for which the menu system is intended.
5.3.1 Consistency
Options should be placed consistently in the same relative order within the option group. (Also see
5.2.1.)
EXAMPLE: Options in a menu panel are ordered “file, edit, insert, print” and these options appear in that same
order when that group is presented again (or another panel containing that same group of options is presented).
NOTE: If users have the capability to reorder menu options, it is important that any new option order selected by
a user is preserved until the user makes another change or reverts to the default order.
5.3.2 Importance
If particular options have great importance, these options should be placed first in the group.
EXAMPLE: Save file.
NOTE: If it is important to prevent accidental option execution, the above recommendation may not apply.
5.3.3 Conventional order
If a conventional ordering (i.e., in general usage) for options is possible, options should be placed in
that order.
EXAMPLES: Days of the week, numeric quantities and physical properties.
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5.3.4 Existing order
If an existing option ordering sequence is widely used (i.e., within a specific context) by typical users,
that existing ordering scheme should be used.
EXAMPLE: Business fiscal year with month, in certain countries, beginning with July rather than January.
5.3.5 Order of use
If the order of option usage is known, options should be arranged in that order.
EXAMPLE: In an edit menu, “copy” is placed before “paste”.
5.3.6 Frequency of use
If the frequency of option use is known (or can be determined) and option groups are small (eight or
less) the most frequently used options should be placed first.
5.3.7 Alphabetical order
If the frequency cannot be determined or the groups are large and users know the name of the desired
option, options should be placed in alphabetical order.
6 Menu navigation
6.1 Navigational cues
Navigational cues should be provided which can help users learn the menu structure and orient and
move within the structure.
such cues include: distinctive and compoundable titles, numbering schemes,
NOTE: Methods for providing
menu panels, and menu maps.
graphic techniques, simultaneous display of
6.1.1 Titles
If titles are used for navigation purposes, they should be:
short and descriptive of the option (e.g., “keyword” names);
l distinctive and descriptive:
l compoundable: can be put together into multiple word titles (e.g., Animals/Birds) to represent
the menu structure.
6.1.2 Numbering schemes
If a numbering scheme is used, the structure should be apparent and obvious to the user.
EXAMPLE: 1. for the highest level, 1 .l for the next level, and continuing in a manner similar to the
subparagraph numbering of this part of IS0 9241.
NOTE: The option numbers also could be used for direct selection of options.
6.1.3 Graphic techniques
If graphic techniques are utilized, they should be consistently applied and their purpose should be
obvious to the user.
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EXAMPLE: Consistent use of a restricted set of colours, line types, or font styles to differentiate menu levels.
NOTE: The term graphic techniques as used in this part of IS0 9241 refers to the graphical layout of the menu
and should not be confused with “graphical user interfaces” (GUIs) which often concern other attributes of the
interface in addition to the graphic elements.
6.1.4 Simultaneous display
If the menu structure is hierarchical, and menu panels representing more than one level of the
structure are presented at one time, the hierarchical relationship between the panels should be
apparent to users.
EXAMPLE: Cascading menus in which the relationship of each menu to the preceding menu is readily apparent.
6.1.5 Menu maps
If menu maps are utilized, these maps should make the menu structure apparent to the user and should
be available on demand.
6.2 Rapid navigation
If rapid navigation methods are provided for users who require quick access to the various submenus
in the menu structure, these methods should be appropriate to the particular user population and
should be compatible with the user’s tasks.
6.2.1 Access time
If menus are accessed from a hierarchical structure, they should be presented in the shortest time
possible.
NOTE: A recommended upper limit is 500 ms.
6.2.2 Node access
If appropriate for the task, in deeply structured menus (more than three levels), users should be
provided with the capability to go from one part (node) of the structure to another without returning to
the initial common node.
6.2.3 Returning to initial menu
Users should be provided a simple and consistent means to return to the initial (beginning) menu from
any menu in a menu structure.
EXAMPLE 1: Pressing the “home” key to return to the initial menu.
EXAMPLE 2: Moving the pointer outside of a pull-down menu to cancel the menu.
EXAMPLE 3: Pressing the escape key twice when at the lowest level of a three-level menu hierarchy.
NOTE: It is important to define the initial menu in terms of the user’s task or flow of work.
6.2.4 Upward level movement
If the menu structure is hierarchical, a simple and consistent means (e.g., a single keystroke) should be
provided to move to the next higher level in the menu structure.
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EXAMPLE: Pressing the ‘Esc’ (escape) key is used consistently to go to next higher level.
6.2.5 Multiple pathways
If the menus can be structured into a network and it is logical to access levels within the structure by
multiple pathways that are both meaningful to users and task relevant, such pathways should be
provided to users.
7 Option selection and execution
7.1 Selection methods
The method of selection and the input devices used should facilitate option selection. Whether a
selection method or input device is adequate depends on the task at hand and on dialogue
requirements, as well as on individual preferences. Feedback should be provided to the user to
indicate the selection and/or execution of options.
NOTE: Options are typically selected (and executed) from menus by one or more of the following techniques:
(explicit designator), or typing part or all of the option (implicit
typing an option number or code
designator), usually followed by an execution key stroke;
pressing an appropriate “function” key or button; pressing appropriate “accelerator” key combinations;
moving the cursor the item of choice with a pointing device (e.g. with a mouse) and performing an
to
execution action (e. g. ” clicking” on it);
“flagging” (e.g. typing an “x” next to the option) and pressing an execution key (e.g. “enter” key);
pointing to the option with a light pen or stylus and performing an execution action;
touching the option of choice on the screen;
vocally stating the option or its code.
7.1.1 Alternative methods
If compatible with system constraints, alternative methods or input devices should be provided for the
selection of options.
EXAMPLE: Typing in an option designator (e.g. the first letter of the option name) in addition to “clicking” on
the option with a mouse.
options are selected (i.e. the methods available
NOTE: It is beneficial to provide users with guidance as to how
for that particular system).
7.1.2 Separate actions for selection and execution
If fast access is not important to task performance and/or an erroneous execution would have serious
consequences, separate actions for selecting and executing menu options should be provided.
1: Moving the mouse cursor to select and clicking with the mouse to execute.
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE 2: Typing the menu option code for selecting and pressing “return” to execute.
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7.1.3 Fast access
If users are experienced and/or need fast access to specific menu options, one or both of the following
methods should be applied.
NOTE 1: The methods below can be used in addition to the separate actions approach described in 7.1.2.
However, when both separate action methods and combined methods are used together, it is important to make it
clear to the user which actions cause immediate execution and which require an additional action for execution.
a) Bypass mechanisms
Mechanisms should be provided for such users to bypass intermediate menus to access desired
options.
EXAMPLE 1: Users are able to directly access menus by name or by the use of “macros” (stored strings of
keystrokes) which they have created for the menu selections.
NOTE 2: If menu “skipping” is allowed, provide users with information concerning where they are in the
structure and how to return to the higher level.
EXAMPLE 2: Users are able to type-ahead menu designators (i.e., the user does not need to wait for intermediate
menu panels to be displayed before typing the next level designator).
b) Combining selection and execution
A mechanism should be provided to combine selection and execution.
EXAMPLE 3: An option immediately executes after the user types in the first letter of the option (implicit
designator).
EXAMPLE 4: An option immediately executes after the user “double-clicks” on an icon representing the option.
EXAMPLE 5: Although the menu depicting the print option is not displayed, the user presses the “Alt” key in
combination with the “P” key (“accelerator keys”) and the current file prints.
NOTE 3: It is important to provide an “undo” (i.e., a command to reverse the previous action) if undesirable
consequences may result from immediate execution.
7.1.4 Feedback
Consistent feedback should be provided to the user to identify the selected option.
Examples of such techniques include:
l highlighting selected or active option(s);
l moving cursor to selected option;
echoing the key(s) pressed on a command line;
l a check mark next to the options selected, or a change in the intensity or colour of the options
selected, in multiple selection;
l the option selection is indicated by repeating the choice by speech feedback.
NOTE: The technique considered most appropriate for visually displayed menu options is highlighting.
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7.1.5 Deselecting options and undoing
deselecting as well as selecting options, prior to execution, or the ability to “undo” the
A means for
results of the execution should be provided.
EXAMPLE 1: Move the cursor to deselect the option.
EXAMPLE 2: If the user changes his/her mind after making a voice selection, saying “cancel” cancel the
last choice made.
7.1.6 Response delay
If the system response to opti on execution will be de1 ayed (m ore than 3 s after initiation), an
indication sho uld be pro vided to the user that the system is processi ng the req uest.
7.1.7 Multiple selection
If menus allow for multiple selection, users should be allowed to make all choices and changes before
execution.
NOTE: When execution of options has no undesirable consequences, execution of each choice as it is selected is
acceptable.
7.2 Alphanumeric keyboard
If an alphanumeric keyboard is used for menu option selection and execution, the techniques used
should be consistent, relate to task requirements, conform to user expectations, and should minimize
needless user input.
NOTE: Keyboard men u selection is particularly appropriate when the task requires a considerable amount of
user’s fingers are already on the keyboard).
keyboard input (i.e . the
7.2.1 Minimizing keystrokes
The number of keystrokes required to select and execute options should be minimized to those
necessary to uniquely identify the desired option.
(implicit designators)
EXAMPLE: Use of the initial or unique letter in the option names for se letting
options.
NOTE: It is important not to minimize keystrokes at the expense of ease of use or other performance
considerations.
7.2.2 Command line location
If a command line is used for entering option codes or names, it should be located at a consistent
location on the display.
EXAMPLE 1: A command line is located at the bottom of the screen (or window area) and is consistently located
in that area throughout the application.
EXAMPLE 2: A command line is located to the right of the menu panel and is consistently located in that
position throughout the application.
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7.2.3 Case equivalence
Options should be selectable by typed input in either lower case,
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