ISO 9241-112:2017

Overview

ISO 9241-112:2017 - part of the ISO 9241 series on ergonomics of human–system interaction - establishes ergonomic design principles for the software-controlled presentation of information in interactive systems. It covers the three primary modalities used in information and communication technology: visual, auditory, and tactile/haptic. The standard focuses on how information is perceived and understood, and it provides general recommendations to guide analysis, design and evaluation of user interfaces (including printed outputs such as invoices). It does not prescribe hardware-specific characteristics or domain‑specific content.

Key topics and technical requirements

ISO 9241-112 defines a set of high-level principles and associated guidance (non-exhaustive and not mutually independent) to improve usability and reduce errors. Core principles include:

• Detectability - ensure users can notice relevant information and controls (use of prominence, timing, continuity).
• Freedom from distraction - minimize irrelevant or competing stimuli that interfere with task focus.
• Discriminability - make pieces of information visually or perceptually distinct (structure, presentation attributes, grouping).
• Interpretability - support semantic clarity so users correctly understand meaning (comprehensibility, unambiguous cues, modality selection).
• Conciseness - avoid unnecessary length or redundant actions; present information succinctly to support task completion.
• Consistency (internal and external) - apply predictable structures and conventions across an interface and with users’ expectations.

Other covered topics include modality and media considerations, accessibility, action guidance, and relationships to other ISO 9241 principles. The standard is primarily guidance‑based rather than specifying numeric thresholds.

Practical applications

ISO 9241-112 is used to improve usability, accessibility and user experience across a wide range of interactive systems and outputs:

• Designing screen layouts, audio prompts, and haptic alerts for apps, web interfaces, kiosks, and embedded systems.
• Developing UI style guides and component libraries that ensure consistent information presentation.
• Evaluating products for usability and accessibility during testing and certification.
• Writing procurement specifications and acceptance criteria that reference ergonomic presentation principles.
• Applying to printed outputs (statements, invoices) where clarity, discriminability and interpretability are critical.

Benefits include faster, more accurate task performance, reduced mental effort, fewer misinterpretations, and better overall user experience.

Who should use this standard

• UI designers, software developers, and evaluators
• Designers of UI tools and style guides
• Project managers and product buyers/procurement officers

Related standards

• ISO 9241-110 (interaction principles)
• ISO 9241-125 (visual presentation specifics)
• ISO 9241-171 (software accessibility guidance)

Keywords: ISO 9241-112, ergonomics, human-system interaction, presentation of information, user interface design, accessibility, usability, visual auditory tactile haptic.