Overview
EN ISO 9241-302:2008 (ISO 9241-302:2008) is the terminology part of the ISO 9241 series on ergonomics of human–system interaction. Published by CEN/ISO in 2008, this document provides a comprehensive, standardized vocabulary for electronic visual displays. Its purpose is to ensure consistent use of terms and definitions across the ISO 9241 family (requirements, test methods and guidance) and related technical work on display ergonomics, usability and accessibility.
Key topics
The standard defines terms and concepts used throughout other parts of ISO 9241. Major technical topic areas include:
- Photometry – terminology related to luminance, contrast and light measurements
- Colorimetry – color terms and measurement vocabulary for displays
- Geometry, vision, surround and ergonomics – viewing geometry, visual angles, surround conditions and ergonomic concepts
- Display technology – generic terms for display types and components (LCD, CRT-origin concepts, OLED/SED as referenced in the series)
- Virtual-image displays – vocabulary for head-mounted and other virtual-image systems
- Alphanumeric symbols – terms for characters, glyphs and legibility descriptors
The standard’s Clause and subclause structure (notably Clause 3 with subclauses 3.1–3.6) organizes these topic areas for easy cross-reference.
Practical applications
EN ISO 9241-302 is a reference vocabulary used to:
- Align terminology in product specifications and procurement documents for monitors, panels and HMI displays
- Support ergonomists, usability professionals and human factors engineers when specifying display requirements or evaluating user interfaces
- Ensure consistency in test methods and laboratory reports used by optical test labs and certification bodies (see ISO 9241-305, -307)
- Guide display designers and manufacturers in documentation, datasheets and conformance communication
- Aid regulators and accessibility specialists by providing standard definitions used across standards on usability and ICT accessibility
Related standards
EN ISO 9241-302 is part of the broader ISO 9241 series on human–system interaction. Relevant companion parts include:
- ISO 9241-300 (intro to electronic visual display requirements)
- ISO 9241-303, -305, -307 (requirements and test methods for displays)
- Other ergonomics and usability parts of ISO 9241 (e.g., Part 110, Part 151)
Why it matters
Using ISO 9241-302’s standardized terminology reduces ambiguity in design, testing and procurement of electronic visual displays, improving communication among designers, manufacturers, test labs and end‑users focused on ergonomics, usability, display performance and visual accessibility.