ISO/TR 22411:2021

Overview

ISO/TR 22411:2021 - Ergonomics data for use in the application of ISO/IEC Guide 71:2014 provides evidence-based ergonomics data to help standards developers address accessibility. The technical report collates quantitative and research-based information on human characteristics and capabilities, with a specific focus on the effects of ageing and on sensory, physical and cognitive disabilities. It is intended primarily to support the application of ISO/IEC Guide 71:2014, and secondarily to assist ergonomists, designers and product developers in creating more accessible products, systems, services, environments and facilities.

Key Topics

The document organizes ergonomics data by human domain and offers context- and task-specific insights rather than generic ergonomics values. Major technical topics include:

• Sensory characteristics

  • Vision: colour sensitivity, contrast sensitivity, visual acuity, minimum font sizes, glare, field of view, lighting for older users and low vision
  • Hearing: age-related hearing sensitivity, tone perception, speech audibility and public-space announcement levels
  • Touch: tactile spatial resolution, vibration sensitivity, legibility of tactile symbols
  • Thermal: surface and air temperature considerations, thermal comfort for people with disabilities

• Physical characteristics

  • Body size and reach ranges (including effects of ageing and disability)
  • Grip diameter and hand strength, pressing and pushing forces, lifting strength, stair dimensions, ramp slopes
  • Fine motor control, hand steadiness and coordination

• Cognitive characteristics

  • Attention and information processing (selective attention, dual-task performance)
  • Memory and language/literacy considerations for older adults and cognitive disabilities

• Data selection and use

  • Guidance on selecting relevant data, data format, and how standards developers should apply these data within normative documents

Note: the report focuses on ageing and disability-related data and is not exhaustive where empirical data are lacking.

Applications

ISO/TR 22411:2021 is practical for:

• Standards developers applying ISO/IEC Guide 71 to embed accessibility requirements into standards
• Ergonomists and human factors specialists using quantitative data to justify design choices
• Product and service designers (consumer products, workplaces, public spaces) ensuring accessibility across age and ability ranges
• Accessibility consultants, regulators and procurement teams specifying minimum human-centered performance and usability criteria

Typical uses include setting ergonomic requirements (e.g., legibility, force limits, reach envelopes), performing accessibility impact assessments, and informing inclusive design decisions.

Related standards

• ISO/IEC Guide 71:2014 - Guidance for standards developers on addressing accessibility
• Other ergonomics standards and guidance produced by ISO/TC 159 (Ergonomics) and collaborating bodies (CEN/TC 122)

Keywords: ISO/TR 22411:2021, ergonomics data, accessibility in standards, ISO/IEC Guide 71, ageing, disabilities, human characteristics, designers, ergonomists.