Overview
SIST-TP CEN ISO/TR 22411:2021 is a technical report providing essential ergonomics data for the application of the ISO/IEC Guide 71:2014, which focuses on addressing accessibility requirements in standards. Developed by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST) in collaboration with CEN and ISO, this document serves as a critical resource for standard developers, ergonomists, and designers committed to enhancing accessibility in products, services, systems, environments, and facilities.
The report offers both quantitative and qualitative data regarding basic human characteristics and capabilities, specifically relating to the effects of aging and various sensory, physical, or cognitive disabilities. While the data are robust and research-based, they are not exhaustive due to the ongoing development and availability of such information.
Key Topics
The standard covers a wide range of ergonomics data and practical guidelines valuable to those developing accessibility-focused solutions. Core topics include:
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Sensory Characteristics and Capabilities
- Vision: Insights into visual sensitivity, color perception, contrast sensitivity, visual acuity, disability glare, and more.
- Hearing: Data on hearing sensitivity, tone perception, and speech communication in various environments.
- Touch: Details about tactile sensitivity and legibility of tactile symbols.
- Thermal Sense: Information on temperature perception and thermal comfort, especially concerning older individuals or those with disabilities.
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Physical Characteristics and Capabilities
- Basic body sizes and ranges relevant to ergonomic design.
- Fine hand use, grip force, reach ranges, and the influence of age or impairments.
- Movement abilities of upper and lower body, including walking speed and the use of ramps.
- Muscle strength, endurance, and the effect of disabilities or aging on these factors.
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Cognitive Characteristics and Capabilities
- Attention and information processing abilities.
- Memory capacities and the impact of dual-task conditions.
- Effects of aging and disabilities on cognitive functions critical for accessibility.
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Context-Specific and Task-Specific Data
- Where available, the report provides data focused on specific user groups and use scenarios.
Applications
The practical applications of SIST-TP CEN ISO/TR 22411:2021 are broad and impactful across many sectors aiming for universal or inclusive design. Key applications include:
- Standards Development: Assisting committees and organizations in integrating evidence-based accessibility requirements and recommendations into new or revised standards, ensuring that the widest possible user range is addressed.
- Product and System Design: Supporting engineers, product managers, and designers in creating accessible devices, environments, and user interfaces by providing concrete human data related to aging and disabilities.
- Built Environment and Facility Planning: Informing architects and urban planners with anthropometric and ergonomic data to enhance accessibility in public spaces, workplaces, and communal facilities.
- Accessible Technologies and Services: Enabling the design of information and communication technology (ICT), transportation, consumer products, and services that are easy to use by people with diverse needs, including those with sensory or cognitive challenges.
Related Standards
SIST-TP CEN ISO/TR 22411:2021 plays a supporting role alongside several key international standards and guidelines, including:
- ISO/IEC Guide 71:2014: The primary framework for integrating accessibility strategies into standards development.
- ISO 9241-11 (Ergonomics of human-system interaction): Addresses guidance on usability and accessibility.
- Other ergonomic and accessible design standards: Particularly those focusing on universal design, accessible built environments, and assistive technologies.
By bringing together relevant, research-backed ergonomics data, SIST-TP CEN ISO/TR 22411:2021 enables professionals to make informed decisions, promoting accessibility and usability across standards and products for older adults and people with disabilities. This, in turn, supports global efforts toward more inclusive societies and environments.
