ISO 9241 is a multi-part international standard covering the ergonomics of human-system interaction. It is the most widely cited authority on usability and user experience.
Key parts include:
- ISO 9241-11: Usability definitions and concepts (effectiveness, efficiency, satisfaction)
- ISO 9241-110: Dialogue principles (suitability, controllability, error tolerance)
- ISO 9241-210: Human-centred design for interactive systems
- ISO 9241-171: Software accessibility
Although it is technically a standards document, ISO 9241 is treated by the field as a foundational reference. Most academic definitions of usability ultimately point back to ISO 9241-11.
Related terms: Usability, User Experience, Human-Centred Design
Also defined in: Textbook of Usability