ISO IEC IEEE 26514-2022 PDF

Full title and description

ISO/IEC/IEEE 26514:2022 — Systems and software engineering — Design and development of information for users. This international standard specifies requirements and guidance for planning, designing, developing, presenting and maintaining information for users of software (user documentation and embedded user information), including structure, content and format of such information.

Abstract

This document covers the development process for designers and developers of information for users of software: establishing user information needs, choosing presentation approaches, preparing information and delivering it. It addresses information design throughout the product life cycle and provides requirements for structure, content and format of user information, applicable to printed and on‑screen information, multimedia, integrated UI content and related materials for maintenance and training.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: January 2022 (ISO publication month listed as 2022-01; IEEE records publication as 21 January 2022).
• Publisher: Joint international publication under ISO/IEC with IEEE adoption (ISO/IEC/IEEE collaborative standard).
• ICS / categories: 35.080 (Software engineering).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2022).
• Number of pages: 64 pages.

Scope

The standard applies to the design and development of information for users of software and systems. It describes processes to determine user information needs, information architecture, content requirements, presentation techniques and delivery methods. It is applicable across media (printed, on‑screen, multimedia), to user assistance embedded in user interfaces, and to materials for training and maintenance, while noting it does not address every aspect of every media type. The 2022 edition updates and replaces the earlier ISO/IEC 26514:2008.

Key topics and requirements

• Process requirements for planning, developing and maintaining user information (roles, inputs/outputs, lifecycle activities).
• Structure, content and format requirements for user information products (task‑based coverage, conceptual and reference material, procedural steps, error handling and troubleshooting).
• Guidance on user‑centred information design: identifying user tasks, audience analysis, usability and accessibility considerations.
• Considerations for different delivery media including on‑screen help, embedded UI content, multimedia and training materials.
• Requirements for documenting information management, versioning, maintenance and supplier/acquirer relationships for delivered user information.

Typical use and users

This standard is used by information architects, information (technical) developers and editors, usability specialists, UI designers, human factors engineers, project managers and acquirers/suppliers of documentation. It serves organizations producing product help, online user assistance, embedded UI guidance, maintenance manuals and training content, and is used to set requirements in procurement, QA and process improvement.

Related standards

ISO/IEC/IEEE 26514:2022 is part of a family of standards addressing information for users and user assistance. It supersedes ISO/IEC 26514:2008 (withdrawn). Other related documents in the series include ISO/IEC/IEEE 26511 (information for users — service and product information elements), ISO/IEC/IEEE 26515 (agile environments / developing information for users in agile projects) and additional guidance projects addressing mobile user assistance and related topics.

Keywords

user documentation, information for users, user assistance, help systems, information design, technical communication, usability, information architecture, software documentation, embedded help.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/IEC/IEEE 26514:2022 is an international standard that specifies requirements and provides guidance for the design and development of information for users of software and systems (user documentation and embedded user information).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the process and product aspects of user information: identifying user needs, information architecture, content and format requirements, presentation methods across media, and maintenance/versioning of information throughout the product life cycle.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Information developers, technical writers, information architects, usability and UX specialists, UI designers, project managers, acquirers and suppliers involved in delivering user information and assistance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2022 edition is the current published edition and supersedes ISO/IEC 26514:2008 (withdrawn). Users should check national/organizational registries for any later revisions or amendments.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the ISO/IEC/IEEE series on information for users and user assistance; related standards address agile information development, specific information elements and other guidance documents in the same family.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: User documentation, information for users, technical communication, user assistance, help systems, information architecture, usability, embedded help.