ISO 9241 Part 9: Requirements for non-keyboard input devices

Citation

ISO 9241-9:2000 Ergonomic requirements for office work with visual display terminals (VDTs) -- Part 9: Requirements for non-keyboard input devices.

Status

International Standard. Will be replaced by the ISO 9241-400 subseries.

Lifecycle Phase

Build the context of use.

Type of Guidance

Specifications.

Application Area

• Equipment
• User testing

Scope

This part of ISO 9241 applies to several types of non-keyboard input devices including mice, pucks, joysticks, trackballs, tablets and overlays, touch-sensitive screens, styli and light pens. The standard specifies the quality of the input device in terms of a performance criterion: “it is considered useable [sic] if users can achieve a satisfactory level of performance on a given task and maintain an acceptable level of effort and satisfaction”. The standard also includes a set of design requirements that first covers general requirements and recommendations (such as resolution, button design and upper extremity and head posture), and then addresses specific input device requirements and recommendations (such as mice, pucks and joysticks). Compliance with the standard can be achieved only by carrying out a usability test. The standard has four annexes: input device selection, usability testing and analysis; testing of efficiency and effectiveness; assessment of comfort; and additional evaluation methods. The standard also includes a bibliography with over 100 references. Note that this standard does not cover voice input.

Audience

Manufacturers of non-keyboard input devices and people that need to evaluate these devices.

See Also

ISO 9241-4:1998 Ergonomic requirements for office work with visual display terminals (VDTs) -- Part 4: Keyboard requirements.

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