ISO 9241-221-2023 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 9241-221:2023 — Ergonomics of human-system interaction — Part 221: Human‑centred design process assessment model. This International Standard specifies a process reference model (PRM) for human‑centred design (HCD) aligned with ISO 9241‑220 and defines a process assessment model (PAM) with indicators for assessing and improving an organisation’s HCD processes.

Abstract

ISO 9241‑221:2023 provides a PRM for HCD (referencing ISO 9241‑220) and a PAM for assessing those processes based on the ISO/IEC 33000 family (notably ISO/IEC 33020 and ISO/IEC 33004). The PAM supplies indicators to interpret PRM intent, to support assessments and subsequent process improvement programmes. Its primary application is to computer‑based interactive systems, with adaptability to simple or non‑computer interactive systems; it focuses on HCD processes rather than full system or software life‑cycle processes.

General information

• Status: Published
• Publication date: 25 August 2023 (International Standard published in August 2023)
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• ICS / categories: 13.180 (Ergonomics); 35.180 (IT terminals and related equipment)
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2023)
• Number of pages: 102 pages (English edition)

Scope

The standard defines a process references model and an associated process assessment model to assess the capability and maturity of human‑centred design processes within organisations. It is intended for assessing HCD processes for computer‑based interactive systems (and can be adapted to some non‑computer interactive systems). The document focuses on human‑centred aspects of design (not mechanical construction or detailed service design) and is suitable for organisations of all sizes that wish to implement, evaluate or improve HCD activities and procurement practices.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of a Human‑Centred Design Process Reference Model (HCD PRM) aligned with ISO 9241‑220.
• Specification of a Process Assessment Model (PAM) that provides indicators and guidance for assessing HCD processes.
• Conformance approach based on the ISO/IEC 33000 family (process measurement and assessment frameworks), notably ISO/IEC 33020 and ISO/IEC 33004.
• Guidance on collecting objective evidence and using assessment indicators to rate process performance and capability.
• Application guidance for process assessment sponsors, assessors and organisations seeking process improvement or capability determination.
• Clarification that the PAM addresses HCD process capability rather than full system or software life‑cycle process definitions.

Typical use and users

Used by organisations (small, medium and large) that design, procure or maintain interactive systems and want to evaluate or improve their human‑centred design processes. Typical users include HCD/usability practitioners, UX managers, quality and process improvement teams, assessors performing process capability evaluations, procurement/specification teams, and auditors who require a structured model for assessing HCD process maturity and conformity.

Related standards

ISO 9241‑221 is part of the ISO 9241 ergonomics of human‑system interaction series and is explicitly linked to ISO 9241‑220 (Processes for enabling, executing and assessing human‑centred design within organisations). It also relies on process assessment requirements and measurement frameworks defined in the ISO/IEC 33000 series (e.g., ISO/IEC 33020 and ISO/IEC 33004). Other relevant parts of ISO 9241 (for HCD principles and activities) include ISO 9241‑210 and related guidance documents and technical specifications referenced from ISO 9241‑220 and ISO 9241‑221.

Keywords

human‑centred design, HCD, process assessment model, process reference model, PAM, PRM, usability, UX, ergonomics, process capability, ISO 9241, ISO/IEC 33000.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 9241‑221:2023 is an International Standard that defines a human‑centred design process reference model and a process assessment model to assess and improve an organisation’s HCD processes.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the structure of HCD processes (PRM), indicators and methods to assess those processes (PAM) and guidance for interpretation and improvement. It addresses assessment principles in line with ISO/IEC process assessment requirements but does not specify detailed HCD methods or full system/service design methods.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: UX/HCD practitioners, process assessors, quality and UX managers, procurement teams and organisations that design or procure interactive systems and want a standardised way to evaluate and improve HCD processes.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — ISO 9241‑221 was published as an International Standard in August 2023 (published 25 August 2023) and is the first edition (2023). There is no indication it has been superseded as of its publication record.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the ISO 9241 series on ergonomics of human‑system interaction and is explicitly linked to ISO 9241‑220 (which defines HCD processes). It also aligns with other ISO 9241 parts (for example ISO 9241‑210) and with ISO/IEC process assessment standards used to construct PAMs.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: human‑centred design, process assessment model (PAM), process reference model (PRM), process indicators, process capability, usability, ergonomics, ISO 9241, ISO/IEC 33000 family.