Iso 9241 11 Usability Pdf Download
ISO 9241-11:2018 - A Standard for Usability
Usability is a key factor for the success of any system, product or service that involves human interaction. But how can we measure and evaluate usability? How can we define and apply the concept of usability in different contexts and domains? To answer these questions, we need a common framework and a set of definitions that can guide us in designing and assessing usability. This is what the international standard ISO 9241-11:2018 provides.
iso 9241 11 usability pdf download
What is ISO 9241-11:2018?
ISO 9241-11:2018 is the second edition of the standard "Ergonomics of human-system interaction Part 11: Usability: Definitions and concepts" . It was published in March 2018 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which is an independent, non-governmental organization that develops and publishes standards for various fields and industries. ISO 9241-11:2018 is part of the ISO 9241 series, which covers various aspects of ergonomics and human-system interaction, such as visual display requirements, physical input devices, software dialogues, user guidance, accessibility and usability evaluation methods.
ISO 9241-11:2018 replaces the first edition of the standard, which was published in 1998. The main changes in the second edition are :
The definition of usability has been revised to emphasize that usability is an outcome of use, rather than a property of a system, product or service.
The concept of context of use has been expanded to include not only the users, tasks and environments, but also the resources and constraints that affect the interaction.
The concept of user experience has been introduced to acknowledge that usability is not the only factor that influences how people perceive and respond to a system, product or service.
The concept of quality in use has been clarified to distinguish it from usability and user experience, and to show how it relates to other quality attributes, such as functionality, reliability, security and efficiency.
The concept of stakeholder has been added to recognize that different people may have different interests and expectations regarding the usability of a system, product or service.
The concept of objective has been defined to describe what a stakeholder intends to achieve by using a system, product or service.
The concept of outcome has been defined to describe what a stakeholder actually achieves by using a system, product or service.
The concept of measure has been defined to describe how an outcome can be quantified or qualified.
Why is ISO 9241-11:2018 important?
ISO 9241-11:2018 is important because it provides a common language and a common understanding of usability for different stakeholders, such as designers, developers, evaluators, purchasers, consumers and regulators. By using the standard, they can communicate more effectively and consistently about their requirements, expectations and results regarding usability. They can also use the standard as a reference for defining and applying usability criteria and methods in different contexts and domains.
ISO 9241-11:2018 is also important because it reflects the current state of knowledge and practice in the field of ergonomics and human-system interaction. It incorporates the latest research findings and best practices from various disciplines, such as psychology, sociology, engineering, computer science and design. It also addresses the emerging trends and challenges in the field, such as the increasing diversity and complexity of users, tasks, environments, systems, products and services; the growing importance of user experience; the need for user involvement; and the ethical and social implications of usability.
How can I access ISO 9241-11:2018?
ISO 9241-11:2018 is available for purchase from the ISO website or from other authorized distributors. The price for the standard is CHF 145 (Swiss francs), which is equivalent to about USD 160 or EUR 135 (as of September 2023). The standard is available in PDF format or in paper format. The standard is written in English and French.
If you are interested in learning more about ISO 9241-11:2018, you can also read a summary and a commentary of the standard by one of its authors, Nigel Bevan . You can also watch a video presentation of the standard by another author, Tom Stewart . Both resources are free and accessible online.
I hope this article has given you an overview of ISO 9241-11:2018 and its relevance for usability. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact me.