ISO/IEC DIS 4944 Information technology

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2 months ago

ISO/IEC DIS 4944 is a draft international standard (DIS) that pertains to the field of information technology. However, since this is still in the “DIS” (Draft International Standard) stage, detailed information about its specific content or scope may not be publicly available yet. Typically, DIS documents go through review and comments from experts and member bodies before being finalized and published as official ISO/IEC standards.

If you are looking for specific details about ISO/IEC DIS 4944, such as its focus areas, objectives, or requirements, you might need access to the draft through an ISO member organization or a standards development body. Would you like assistance in finding more precise or related information about it?

What is required ISO/IEC DIS 4944 Information technology

ISO/IEC DIS 4944 is a draft standard focused on evaluating the usability of natural user interfaces (NUIs) in information technology systems, products, or services. The document provides a comprehensive framework and outlines requirements and recommendations for assessing the efficiency, effectiveness, and user satisfaction of these interfaces. It also includes guidance on how to measure and report usability for NUIs and can be applied to other types of user interfaces for emerging technologies(

IEC Webstore

Standards Australia).

If you’re working on systems that involve NUIs, this standard will be useful for ensuring that the interfaces meet usability benchmarks. The final version of the standard is expected to be published soon.

Who is required ISO/IEC DIS 4944 Information technology

ISO/IEC DIS 4944 is aimed at organizations and professionals involved in the design, development, and evaluation of user interfaces, especially natural user interfaces (NUIs) in information technology. This standard is relevant for:

Software Developers and Designers: Those who create systems, products, or services that involve NUIs (e.g., gesture recognition, voice commands, etc.) would use this standard to evaluate and improve the usability of their interfaces.
Usability Engineers and UX Researchers: Professionals focused on human-computer interaction (HCI) and user experience (UX) can apply the guidelines in ISO/IEC DIS 4944 to assess the efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction of interfaces in technology products.
Technology Companies: Organizations that are building new technologies involving emerging interfaces, such as VR/AR systems, smart devices, or AI-powered systems, can use this standard to ensure their products meet usability standards.
Standards and Compliance Officers: Individuals responsible for ensuring that their company’s products meet international standards, particularly in technology and user interface design, would follow this draft to align with global usability best practices(IEC Webstore)(Standards Australia).

It is particularly useful in industries working with cutting-edge technology where intuitive, efficient, and user-friendly interfaces are critical for success.

When is required ISO/IEC DIS 4944 Information technology

ISO/IEC DIS 4944 will be required in various scenarios related to the evaluation of natural user interfaces (NUIs). It is especially useful when:

Designing and Developing NUI-Based Systems: If an organization or developer is creating systems involving gesture, voice, or motion controls, this standard ensures that usability is properly assessed. It’s essential during early design phases to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and user satisfaction.
Evaluating Emerging Technologies: As technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), or AI interfaces become more prominent, ISO/IEC DIS 4944 provides guidance for usability evaluations of these next-gen interfaces(IEC Webstore).
Compliance and Certification: Companies that need to adhere to international usability standards may be required to follow ISO/IEC 4944 as part of compliance checks to ensure products meet global usability norms.
Usability Testing: When conducting usability tests for user interfaces, especially for consumer electronics, smart devices, or complex systems like industrial control interfaces, this standard offers a structured approach for assessments(Standards Australia).

The standard becomes mandatory for organizations and projects aiming for high usability performance and adherence to international best practices for user interface design and evaluation.

Where is required ISO/IEC DIS 4944 Information technology

ISO/IEC DIS 4944 is required in various contexts where natural user interfaces (NUIs) or emerging user interfaces are used, such as:

Technology and Consumer Electronics: Companies developing devices or systems involving gestures, voice commands, or other forms of NUIs will find this standard essential to ensure the usability of their products. This includes smartphones, smart TVs, virtual assistants, and other smart home devices.
Healthcare Technology: In environments where intuitive interaction is critical, such as healthcare systems using touchless or voice-activated controls, the standard ensures interfaces are user-friendly and efficient.
Automotive Industry: For systems involving NUIs, like voice-activated car controls or gesture-based systems in autonomous vehicles, usability assessments based on ISO/IEC DIS 4944 help enhance safety and user interaction.
Virtual and Augmented Reality: This standard is applicable for evaluating usability in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) systems, which often rely on non-traditional user interfaces, ensuring that these emerging technologies provide efficient and satisfying user experiences(IEC Webstore)(Standards Australia).

In any industry involving advanced human-computer interaction, this standard is crucial for creating effective, efficient, and satisfying user interfaces.

How is required ISO/IEC DIS 4944 Information technology

ISO/IEC DIS 4944 is implemented through a set of required steps and criteria that organizations must follow to evaluate the usability of natural user interfaces (NUIs). Here’s how it is generally applied:

Establishing Evaluation Framework: The standard provides a structured approach to assess the usability of NUIs by defining the evaluation parameters such as efficiency, effectiveness, and user satisfaction(Standards Australia).
Measuring Usability: Organizations need to measure specific aspects of usability, including how well users can achieve their goals using the interface (effectiveness), the speed or ease with which tasks are completed (efficiency), and the subjective satisfaction experienced by the users(IEC Webstore).
Reporting Usability: After testing and measurement, the results must be documented in a report that includes key usability metrics. This helps in identifying areas for improvement and ensuring the interface meets usability standards.
Adapting for Emerging Technologies: ISO/IEC DIS 4944 is flexible enough to be applied to emerging user interfaces beyond NUIs, making it adaptable for use with evolving technologies like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and AI-driven interfaces(IEC Webstore)(Standards Australia).

In practice, following this standard ensures that NUI-based systems are user-friendly and meet international benchmarks for usability. It is especially crucial during the design, development, and post-launch evaluation stages of product development.

Case Study on ISO/IEC DIS 4944 Information technology

A case study on ISO/IEC DIS 4944 would explore how an organization or a project implemented this draft standard to improve the usability of natural user interfaces (NUIs) in their product. The study would focus on key areas like evaluation processes, usability improvements, and the outcomes of adhering to the framework.

Example Case Study Overview: Improving NUI Usability in a Healthcare Application

Background

A healthcare company develops a voice-activated control system for use in operating rooms. The system allows surgeons to control medical devices without touching them, ensuring hygiene and efficiency during procedures. However, early user feedback revealed issues with the system’s usability, such as difficulty in recognizing commands and delays in execution.

Implementation of ISO/IEC DIS 4944

The company adopted ISO/IEC DIS 4944, a draft standard that outlines how to evaluate and improve the usability of natural user interfaces. This standard provided a structured method for assessing the system based on three key metrics:

Effectiveness: How accurately the system interpreted voice commands.
Efficiency: The speed at which the system responded to commands.
Satisfaction: The subjective comfort and confidence of surgeons using the system during operations.

Usability Evaluation Process

Initial Testing: The company conducted usability tests with healthcare professionals using a prototype. Tests focused on the system’s voice command recognition, latency, and ease of use in high-pressure environments.
Measurement and Reporting: Based on the guidelines from ISO/IEC DIS 4944, the company recorded measurable results, such as command recognition accuracy (85% initially) and response time delays (up to 2 seconds in some cases). Surgeon satisfaction was rated on a scale, where initial feedback indicated a need for more intuitive interaction.
Iterative Improvements: Following the standard’s recommendations, the company worked on refining the system, improving voice recognition accuracy to 95% and reducing response time to less than 1 second. Satisfaction scores improved as the system became more reliable and efficient.

Results

By aligning the product design with ISO/IEC DIS 4944, the healthcare company significantly enhanced the usability of their voice-activated system. Surgeons reported a smoother experience, and the hospital administration noted improved procedural efficiency. The application of this standard ensured that the product met global benchmarks for usability, making it competitive in the healthcare technology market.

Key Learnings

Structured Evaluation: Using a well-defined usability framework helped the company identify and address specific pain points in their product’s user interface.
Iterative Development: The standard encouraged ongoing testing and refinement, which was crucial for improving the system’s reliability.
Real-World Impact: Following ISO/IEC DIS 4944 helped ensure that the product was not only technically sound but also user-friendly, critical in high-stakes environments like healthcare.

This case study illustrates how ISO/IEC DIS 4944 can be applied to real-world projects to improve user experience, particularly in systems relying on natural user interfaces like voice commands.

White Paper on ISO/IEC DIS 4944 Information technology

White Paper: ISO/IEC DIS 4944 – Usability Evaluation of Natural User Interfaces in Information Technology

Abstract:

The ISO/IEC DIS 4944 draft standard offers a comprehensive framework for evaluating the usability of natural user interfaces (NUIs). This white paper provides an in-depth look at how the standard establishes guidelines for measuring key usability factors, such as effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction, for NUI-based systems. It is particularly relevant to organizations developing voice-activated systems, gesture control interfaces, or other emerging technologies. By adopting ISO/IEC DIS 4944, companies can ensure their products meet international standards of usability, fostering better user experiences and improved market competitiveness.

Introduction:

As technology evolves, interfaces have moved beyond traditional keyboard and mouse configurations to natural user interfaces (NUIs) that leverage voice, gesture, and motion control. These systems enable more intuitive interactions but present unique challenges in terms of usability. ISO/IEC DIS 4944 aims to provide a structured methodology for evaluating the usability of these interfaces, ensuring that they meet user needs in terms of efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction.

Scope and Purpose of ISO/IEC DIS 4944:

ISO/IEC DIS 4944 is a draft international standard specifically designed to evaluate the usability of natural user interfaces. NUIs allow for interactions through speech, gesture, or other natural means, making it crucial to evaluate whether users can effectively and efficiently accomplish tasks using these systems. The standard also applies to the usability assessment of interfaces associated with emerging technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence-driven systems(

IEC Webstore

Standards Australia).

The main objectives of the standard include:

Effectiveness: The degree to which users can complete their goals using the interface.
Efficiency: How quickly users can perform tasks while interacting with the system.
Satisfaction: The users’ subjective experience and comfort with the interface.

Key Framework Components:

Usability Testing Framework: ISO/IEC DIS 4944 outlines the steps for conducting comprehensive usability tests. This includes identifying key tasks that users will perform with the interface, establishing performance benchmarks, and selecting appropriate testing methods.
Measurement and Metrics: The standard defines specific metrics to evaluate the interface’s usability, including task completion rates, time taken to complete tasks, and user satisfaction scores. These metrics provide quantifiable data to assess how well the system performs from a usability standpoint.
Iterative Improvements: ISO/IEC DIS 4944 supports iterative testing, meaning that organizations can continue refining their NUIs based on the data collected from usability tests. This allows for continuous improvements, particularly important for emerging technologies that are rapidly evolving(Standards Australia).

Case Application:

A technology company developing a gesture-based control system for smart home devices implemented ISO/IEC DIS 4944 to evaluate and improve its product. Initial testing revealed challenges in recognizing certain user gestures and slow system response times. By following the usability evaluation framework provided in the standard, the company was able to enhance the system’s accuracy and reduce delays, resulting in a more user-friendly product. The standard’s structured approach enabled the team to focus on key areas of improvement, ultimately increasing user satisfaction and system efficiency.

Benefits of Adopting ISO/IEC DIS 4944:

Improved Usability: By adhering to a globally recognized standard, organizations can create more intuitive and effective user interfaces, enhancing the overall user experience.
Competitive Advantage: Products that meet international usability standards are more likely to succeed in global markets, as they demonstrate a commitment to high-quality user interactions.
Reduced Development Costs: Identifying and addressing usability issues early in the development process can help avoid costly redesigns later.
Standardization Across Industries: ISO/IEC DIS 4944 offers a universal framework that can be applied across multiple industries, from consumer electronics to healthcare and automotive, making it a versatile tool for ensuring NUI usability(IEC Webstore).

Challenges and Considerations:

While ISO/IEC DIS 4944 provides clear guidelines for usability evaluation, there are challenges associated with its implementation. For example, emerging technologies like VR and AR often have unique user interaction models that require customized testing approaches. Additionally, measuring subjective satisfaction can be difficult, as it involves interpreting users’ emotional and cognitive responses to the interface.

Conclusion:

ISO/IEC DIS 4944 represents a significant step forward in standardizing the usability evaluation of natural user interfaces in information technology. By focusing on effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction, this standard helps organizations create more intuitive, user-friendly systems. The adoption of ISO/IEC DIS 4944 can lead to better product designs, improved user experiences, and a stronger market position.

Organizations involved in developing next-generation interfaces should consider integrating the principles of ISO/IEC DIS 4944 into their development processes to ensure their products meet the highest usability standards.

References:

ISO/IEC 4944:2024, Information Technology – Evaluating Usability of Natural User Interfaces, Standards Australia(Standards Australia).
ISO/IEC DIS 4944 Summary, International Standards Organization(IEC Webstore).

By adhering to ISO/IEC DIS 4944, organizations can ensure their systems are both effective and enjoyable to use, positioning themselves at the forefront of usability in the evolving field of information technology.