SIST EN ISO 9241-940:2022 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 9241-940:2022 (ISO 9241-940:2017) defines ergonomic methods for the evaluation of tactile and haptic interactions. It describes appropriate evaluation methods, specifies a procedure for evaluation via a usability walkthrough or usability test (normative Annex J), and gives guidance - cross‑referenced to other ISO parts - on methods suitable for particular haptic attributes (informative Annexes A–G). The standard is adopted by CEN as EN ISO 9241-940:2022.

Key topics

• Types of evaluation methods
  • Physical measurements against requirements
  • Expert inspection
  • Usability tests and walkthroughs (Annex J)
• Quality model and attributes
  • Haptic device attributes, haptic user‑interface attributes and usability attributes
  • Evaluation matrix mapping attributes to measures
• Guidance and annexes
  • Annex A: device attributes; Annex B: haptic effect design principles; Annex C: task elements
  • Annex D–F: context of use, specific usage qualities, human‑centred quality
  • Annex G: gesture attributes; Annex H–I: examples and unique aspects
• Scope of interaction types covered
  • Augmented reality (e.g., vibrating belt cues)
  • Gesture control of devices or virtual scenarios
  • Unidirectional interactions (e.g., vibrating phone)
  • Virtual environments with bidirectional haptic feedback
• Device types covered
  • Gesture sensors (3D hand tracking, touch screens)
  • Kinaesthetic haptic devices (desktop interfaces)
  • Tactile displays (vibrating mobile devices)
• Exclusions
  • Not applicable to standard input devices such as keyboards, mice or trackballs (see ISO 9241‑400 and ISO 9241‑411).

Applications

• Establishing benchmarks and measurable requirements for haptic systems
• Conducting formative evaluations to identify interaction problems during design
• Performing summative evaluations to verify whether a haptic system meets requirements
• Guiding UX researchers, ergonomists, product designers, QA engineers and procurement teams when evaluating haptic features in:
  • VR/AR systems, wearable haptics, mobile devices, assistive technologies, gesture‑controlled appliances and desktop haptic interfaces

Who should use it

• UX and human‑factors professionals planning haptic usability testing
• Product teams defining haptic performance requirements and acceptance criteria
• Test labs and regulatory bodies assessing ergonomic safety and effectiveness of haptic interfaces

Related standards

• ISO 9241 series (ergonomics of human‑system interaction)
• ISO 9241‑400 / ISO 9241‑411 for evaluation of traditional input devices (keyboards, mice)

EN ISO 9241-940 provides a structured, ergonomics‑focused framework to select methods and measures when designing, comparing or certifying haptic and tactile interactions.