ISO 15006-2011 PDF

Full title and description

Road vehicles — Ergonomic aspects of transport information and control systems — Specifications for in-vehicle auditory presentation. This International Standard specifies ergonomic requirements and recommendations for presentation of auditory information (speech and sounds) from transport information and control systems (TICS) to vehicle occupants, primarily drivers, to maximise intelligibility and utility while minimising auditory and cognitive overload.

Abstract

ISO 15006:2011 establishes requirements and recommendations for in-vehicle auditory displays used by transport information and control systems. It covers characteristics of speech and non-speech signals, functional factors that influence intelligibility and usefulness, prioritisation and timing of messages, and guidance to avoid auditory or mental overload for drivers. The standard applies primarily when the vehicle is in motion but may also be used when the vehicle is stationary.

General information

• Status: Published (current; edition 2, confirmed on review).
• Publication date: 2011-09/2011-10 (published 30 September / October 2011).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: Ergonomics and transport IT — ICS codes include 13.180, 35.240.60, 43.040.15.
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (ISO 15006:2011), replaces ISO 15006:2004.
• Number of pages: 15 pages.

Scope

The standard specifies ergonomic requirements and recommendations for auditory presentation of information from transport information and control systems (TICS) inside road vehicles. It addresses both speech and non-speech auditory messages, their acoustic and functional characteristics, message sequencing and prioritisation, timing and repetition, intelligibility considerations in typical driving environments, and measures to minimise distraction and cognitive overload. Its primary focus is on use while driving but it can be applied when the vehicle is stationary.

Key topics and requirements

• Specifications for auditory message types (speech vs. non-speech) and recommended usage contexts.
• Acoustic characteristics to maximise intelligibility (e.g., signal-to-noise considerations, frequency content, level and dynamic range).
• Guidance on message prioritisation, timing, repetition and suppression to avoid overload and distraction.
• Recommendations for voice quality, rate, linguistic clarity and message length for spoken messages.
• Considerations for masking, background noise, and interaction with other in-vehicle audio sources.
• Compliance and ergonomic assessment guidance to ensure auditory presentations meet usability and safety objectives.

Typical use and users

Primary users include automotive OEMs, human–machine interface (HMI) designers, infotainment and ADAS suppliers, acoustic and voice-system engineers, ergonomists, vehicle safety assessors, and regulatory bodies. Typical uses are defining design requirements for speech prompts and warning sounds, setting supplier acceptance criteria, and guiding usability testing and safety assessments for in-vehicle auditory systems.

Related standards

ISO 15006:2011 revises and replaces ISO 15006:2004. It sits alongside other ergonomics and automotive HMI standards such as ISO 15005 (dialogue management principles for transport information and control systems) and related guidance from industry bodies (for example, SAE recommendations on speech input and audible output). Implementers often use ISO 15006 together with other vehicle ergonomics and audio/system safety standards when specifying and validating in-vehicle auditory displays.

Keywords

in-vehicle auditory presentation, auditory display, speech output, warning sounds, transport information and control systems (TICS), ergonomics, driver distraction, intelligibility, message prioritisation.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 15006:2011 is an international standard that specifies ergonomic requirements and recommendations for auditory presentation of information (speech and sounds) from transport information and control systems inside road vehicles.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers characteristics of spoken and non‑speech signals, acoustic and functional factors affecting intelligibility and utility, message prioritisation and timing, and guidance to reduce auditory and cognitive overload for drivers. The guidance is aimed primarily at use while the vehicle is in motion but may also be applied when stationary.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Automotive manufacturers, HMI and audio-system designers, suppliers of infotainment and ADAS components, ergonomists, testers and regulatory/safety assessors use this standard to design, specify and evaluate in-vehicle auditory messages.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 15006:2011 (Edition 2) replaced ISO 15006:2004. The 2011 edition is published and has been reviewed/confirmed in subsequent reviews (the ISO bibliographic entry indicates the 2011 edition remains the current published version as reviewed). Users should check ISO or their national standards body for any later amendments or newer editions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the broader set of ISO standards addressing ergonomics and transport information/control systems (for example ISO 15005 on dialogue management principles). Implementers commonly use ISO 15006 alongside related ergonomics and HMI standards.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: In-vehicle auditory presentation, auditory display, speech output, warning sounds, TICS, ergonomics, intelligibility, driver distraction, message prioritisation.