ISO 9241-110-2020 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 9241-110:2020 — Ergonomics of human-system interaction — Part 110: Interaction principles. Provides high-level, technology‑agnostic principles and general design recommendations to guide the design, analysis and evaluation of interactions between users and interactive systems.

Abstract

This part of ISO 9241 describes interaction principles formulated in general terms (independent of specific situations of use, application domain, environment or technology) and supplies a framework for applying those principles. It is applicable to a broad range of interactive systems (software, hardware interfaces and services) while excluding domain‑specific requirements for safety‑critical systems, certain collaborative contexts and specialized AI behaviours. Intended audiences include requirements analysts, UI designers, tool and style‑guide authors, developers, evaluators and buyers.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed international standard — current).
• Publication date: 28 May 2020 (Edition 2).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 13.180 (Ergonomics).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2020).
• Number of pages: 32.

Scope

Defines a set of high‑level interaction principles and associated general recommendations to inform the design and evaluation of user‑system dialogues. The scope covers interaction design across modalities and platforms but does not replace domain‑specific requirements (for example safety‑critical systems, certain collaborative systems or particular AI‑enabled behaviours). It focuses on interaction goals and design guidance rather than implementation details or visual presentation (see ISO 9241‑112 for presentation of information).

Key topics and requirements

• Suitability for the user’s task — the interaction should support effective and efficient task completion.
• Self‑descriptiveness — each step of the interaction should be understandable through feedback or on‑demand explanation.
• Conformity with user expectations — interaction should be consistent and align with user knowledge, conventions and context.
• Suitability for learning (learnability) — the system should support users in learning and becoming proficient with minimal effort.
• Controllability — users should be able to initiate, direct and control the pace and sequence of interactions (includes aspects of individualization and personalization).
• Use error robustness (error tolerance) — the interaction should prevent errors where possible and allow recovery with minimal extra effort.
• User engagement — design should consider motivating and engaging interactions appropriate to the context (added in the 2020 revision).
• Framework and guidance — practical recommendations for applying the principles during analysis, design, development and evaluation activities.

Typical use and users

Used by UX and interaction designers, human factors specialists, product managers, software developers, usability evaluators, procurement specialists and standards‑aware buyers. Typical activities include creating UI design guidelines and style guides, running heuristic evaluations, specifying user requirements, developing interface toolkits and checking product conformance during procurement or certification.

Related standards

Part of the ISO 9241 series; commonly used together with ISO 9241‑11 (usability — definitions and guidance), ISO 9241‑112 (presentation of information), ISO 9241‑210 (human‑centred design processes), and newer parts addressing accessibility and software individualization. ISO 9241‑110 (2006) is the withdrawn predecessor to the 2020 edition.

Keywords

interaction principles, dialogue principles, usability, ergonomics, human‑system interaction, learnability, controllability, error tolerance, user engagement, UI design guidance, ISO 9241.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 9241-110:2020 is an ISO international standard that defines high‑level interaction principles and general recommendations for designing and evaluating interactions between users and interactive systems.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers seven interaction principles (suitability for task, self‑descriptiveness, conformity with user expectations, suitability for learning, controllability, use error robustness/error tolerance, and user engagement) plus a framework for applying those principles in analysis, design, development and evaluation. It does not provide detailed domain‑specific requirements.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: UX and interaction designers, human factors specialists, developers, evaluators, requirements analysts, and procurement or quality teams who need a principled basis for designing or assessing user‑system interaction.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current. ISO 9241‑110:2020 was published on 28 May 2020 (Edition 2) and was reviewed and confirmed by ISO on 30 October 2025, so this edition remains the valid, current version.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 110 of the ISO 9241 series (Ergonomics of human‑system interaction). It is intended to be used alongside other parts of ISO 9241 (for example Parts 11, 112 and 210) that provide complementary guidance on usability concepts, presentation of information and human‑centred design processes.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: interaction principles, dialogue principles, usability, human‑system interaction, ergonomics, learnability, controllability, error tolerance, user engagement, UI design.