Overview
ISO/TR 9241-610:2022 - "Ergonomics of human-system interaction - Part 610: Impact of light and lighting on users of interactive systems" is a Technical Report from ISO that summarizes current scientific knowledge about how artificial and natural lighting affects humans beyond vision. The focus is on non-image-forming (NIF) effects (for example, impacts on circadian rhythms, alertness, sleep and mood) rather than therapeutic uses of light. The document is intended as guidance for specifying user environments where interactive systems and visual displays can influence human physiology and behaviour.
Key topics
- Non-visual effects of light: evidence that ocular light exposure influences circadian timing, alertness, hormone release and cognitive function.
- Physiology and mechanisms: role of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (iPRGCs) and melanopsin in NIF responses.
- Circadian timing and zeitgebers: how light acts as a Zeitgeber influencing circadian rhythms and the importance of timing, duration and history of light exposure.
- Light at night (LAN): considerations and research findings about exposure to artificial light during dark hours and potential impacts.
- Physical light characteristics: spatial distribution, source location, spectrum, intensity, timing and the contribution of visual displays to overall light exposure.
- Individual differences: chronotype, age and internal circadian time (body time) affecting sensitivity to light.
- Design guidance: how to consider non-image-forming functions in the specification of use environments for interactive systems.
Practical applications
ISO/TR 9241-610 provides actionable background and design guidance for professionals who need to integrate human-centered lighting considerations into interactive systems and built environments. Typical applications include:
- Specifying ambient lighting and task lighting in workplaces with displays to support alertness and healthy circadian entrainment.
- Designing user interfaces and display luminance/spectrum to limit unintended NIF impacts during night shifts or evening use.
- Informing lighting-control strategies (timing, spectrum tuning) in offices, control rooms, healthcare and education.
- Workplace ergonomics assessments and occupational health policies that address light exposure and sleep/alertness.
Who should use this standard
- UX and human factors professionals
- Lighting designers and electrical engineers
- Ergonomists and occupational health specialists
- Architects, facility managers and systems integrators
- Researchers and policy makers concerned with light, health and interactive systems
Related standards
ISO/TR 9241-610 complements other ergonomics and lighting documents (for example, previous parts of ISO 9241 addressing visual environment) and aligns with contemporary guidance on light and health, circadian ergonomics, and lighting engineering.