EN ISO 9241-394:2022 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 9241-394:2022 (ISO 9241‑394:2020) specifies ergonomic requirements and recommendations to reduce visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) when viewing electronic images. It covers image contents and electronic display systems - including flat‑panel displays, projectors with screens, and VR‑type head‑mounted displays (HMDs) - but excludes HMDs that overlay electronic images on real‑world scenes. The document defines guiding concepts, viewing conditions, measurement methods, and conformance procedures to help designers and suppliers minimise undesirable biomedical effects (dizziness, vertigo, nausea) associated with visual motion.

Key Topics and Technical Requirements

• Scope & applicability: Applies to electronic display systems and image content used in passive and active viewing contexts; assumes appropriate viewing conditions (see Annex B).
• Guiding concepts: Defines contexts of image viewing and the basis for ergonomic decisions, focusing on reducing sensory conflict that leads to VIMS.
• Major VIMS factors: Identifies visual motion combinations and display behaviours that increase risk of motion‑sickness-like symptoms.
• Passive vs active viewing: Separate requirements/recommendations for content viewed passively (e.g., movies) and actively (e.g., interactive VR, simulator environments).
• Visual rotation and field of view: Discusses potentially unfavourable conditions of visual rotation and large visual field images that can exacerbate VIMS.
• Measurement & conformance: Includes measurement methods for visual global motion (Annex E) and head‑tracking time delay (Annex F), plus a sample conformance assessment procedure (Annex G).
• Mitigation methods: Informative guidance on alleviating VIMS through content and system design (Annex D) and account for individual viewer factors (Annex H).

Applications and Who Uses It

EN ISO 9241‑394:2022 is intended for:

• Display manufacturers (flat panels, projectors, VR‑type HMDs) integrating ergonomic design to minimise VIMS.
• Content creators and game/film producers who design motion imagery for screens and immersive media.
• VR/AR system designers and integrators concerned with head‑tracking latency and large field‑of‑view effects.
• Human factors/ergonomics practitioners and UX teams assessing usability and biomedical safety.
• Broadcast and streaming platforms, multimedia device vendors, and standards bodies seeking harmonised VIMS controls.

Practical uses include product design requirements, acceptance testing, conformance reporting, and guidelines for safer immersive experiences.

Related Standards

• Part of the ISO 9241 series (human–system interaction); see Annex A for the series overview.
• ISO 9241‑392 (stereoscopic 3D guidelines) is referenced for stereoscopic display methods also relevant to HMDs.
• Broadcasting standards may be set by bodies like the ITU; this standard complements such work on viewer safety.

Keywords: EN ISO 9241-394:2022, visually induced motion sickness, VIMS, ergonomic requirements, electronic display systems, VR HMD, viewing conditions.