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Summary:
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This document is the FDIS version of an ISO international standard that is proposed by TC159 SC4 as an update to the existing ISO 9241-171 and a twin text with ITU-T.
First published in 2008, ISO 9241‑171, Ergonomics of human‑system interaction — Part 171: Guidance on software accessibility, provides ergonomic guidance for designing accessible software. The standard sets out principles and actionable guidance for accessible software and interactive systems, including UI names and labels, user preference settings, accessibility adjustments, input (keyboard, pointing, focus), output (visual, text/fonts, colour, windowing, audio, captions, media, tactile), and help/documentation.
The original version laid the groundwork for many current accessibility standards. It is a source document for WCAG 2.0; many of the individuals responsible for developing WCAG 2.0 were involved in the discussions leading to ISO 9241-171. It was also considered a key international reference for software accessibility during the drafting process of EN 301 549 and is directly cited as a source.
The original 2008 text is now considered outdated and is undergoing formal revision as a Final Draft International Standard (FDIS). This new version expands upon the original by updating existing guidance, adding new guidance for mobile platforms and other technologies not considered in the original, and expanding the range of people with disabilities it supports. This new document is structured based on an expanded user needs model.
Upon approval in early 2026, the final IS will be the new version of ISO 9241-171.
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