Standards & Guidelines
This page provides a comprehensive reference to the standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern human-centered design, accessibility, and usability. These standards form the foundation for building interfaces that work for everyone.
Standards Overview
Section titled “Standards Overview”Accessibility Standards Matrix
Section titled “Accessibility Standards Matrix”| Standard | Jurisdiction | Scope | Current Version | WCAG Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WCAG | International | Web content | 2.2 (Oct 2023) | — |
| EN 301 549 | EU | All ICT | V3.2.1 (2021) | WCAG 2.1 AA |
| Section 508 | US Federal | Federal ICT | Revised (2017) | WCAG 2.0 AA |
| ADA | US | Public accommodations | Title II (2024) | WCAG 2.1 AA |
| EAA | EU | Commercial ICT | Effective June 2025 | WCAG 2.1 AA |
| AODA | Ontario, CA | Organizations | 2021 | WCAG 2.0 AA |
| CAN/ASC | Canada | All ICT | EN 301 549:2024 | WCAG 2.1 AA |
Human Factors Standards Matrix
Section titled “Human Factors Standards Matrix”| Standard | Focus | Key Parts |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 9241 | Human-system interaction | 40+ parts on usability, accessibility, UX |
| ISO 6385 | Work system design | Ergonomic principles |
| ISO 11064 | Control room design | Display, layout, environment |
| ISO 10075 | Mental workload | Cognitive demands, fatigue |
| ISO 20282 | Ease of operation | Consumer products |
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
Section titled “Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)”WCAG Versions
Section titled “WCAG Versions”| Version | Published | Success Criteria | Key Additions |
|---|---|---|---|
| WCAG 2.0 | Dec 2008 | 61 | Original foundation |
| WCAG 2.1 | Jun 2018 | 78 (+17) | Mobile, cognitive, low vision |
| WCAG 2.2 | Oct 2023 | 87 (+9) | Cognitive, motor, authentication |
| WCAG 3.0 | In development | New structure | Broader scope, new testing |
WCAG 2.2 New Success Criteria
Section titled “WCAG 2.2 New Success Criteria”| Criterion | Level | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4.11 Focus Not Obscured (Min) | AA | Focus visible, not hidden |
| 2.4.12 Focus Not Obscured (Enhanced) | AAA | Focus fully visible |
| 2.4.13 Focus Appearance | AAA | Enhanced focus indicators |
| 2.5.7 Dragging Movements | AA | Alternatives to drag-and-drop |
| 2.5.8 Target Size (Minimum) | AA | 24×24px minimum targets |
| 3.2.6 Consistent Help | A | Help in consistent location |
| 3.3.7 Redundant Entry | A | Don’t ask for same info twice |
| 3.3.8 Accessible Authentication (Min) | AA | Auth without cognitive tests |
| 3.3.9 Accessible Authentication (Enhanced) | AAA | No object recognition/personal content |
WCAG Conformance Levels
Section titled “WCAG Conformance Levels”| Level | Requirements | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Level A | 25 criteria | Bare minimum (not sufficient) |
| Level AA | +13 criteria | Legal standard, recommended baseline |
| Level AAA | +23 criteria | Enhanced accessibility (not required) |
Note: WCAG 2.2 is backwards compatible — conforming to 2.2 also means conforming to 2.1 and 2.0.
WCAG Resources
Section titled “WCAG Resources”- Specification: https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG22/
- Quick Reference (filterable): https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG22/quickref/
- Understanding Documents: https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG22/Understanding/
- Techniques: https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG22/Techniques/
- Our comprehensive WCAG guide →
European Standards
Section titled “European Standards”EN 301 549
Section titled “EN 301 549”The European standard for accessibility requirements in ICT products and services.
| Version | Date | WCAG Alignment |
|---|---|---|
| V1.1.2 | 2015 | WCAG 2.0 AA |
| V2.1.2 | 2018 | WCAG 2.1 AA |
| V3.1.1 | 2019 | WCAG 2.1 AA |
| V3.2.1 | 2021 | WCAG 2.1 AA (current) |
| V4.1.1 | 2026 (planned) | WCAG 2.2 AA |
Scope: Hardware, software, websites, apps, documents, support services
Key additions beyond WCAG:
- Real-Time Text (RTT) requirements
- ICT with two-way voice communication
- Video communication with sign language
- Hardware accessibility (physical controls)
Specification: https://www.etsi.org/standards/search#page=1&search=EN%20301%20549
European Accessibility Act (EAA)
Section titled “European Accessibility Act (EAA)”The EU directive requiring accessibility for products and services.
Effective: June 28, 2025
Scope:
- E-commerce websites and mobile apps
- Banking services
- Transport services (ticketing, check-in)
- E-books and e-readers
- Communication services
Penalties: Up to €100,000 or 4% of annual revenue
Technical Standard: EN 301 549 (WCAG 2.1 AA)
US Standards and Regulations
Section titled “US Standards and Regulations”Section 508
Section titled “Section 508”US federal accessibility requirements for ICT.
Current Status:
- References WCAG 2.0 Level AA (2017 refresh)
- Update to WCAG 2.2 expected by 2026
- Applies to federal agencies and contractors
Enforcement: US Access Board, Department of Justice
Documentation: VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template)
Resources:
- Section508.gov: https://www.section508.gov/
- Access Board: https://www.access-board.gov/
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Section titled “Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)”Civil rights law prohibiting discrimination based on disability.
Title II (State/Local Government):
- April 2024 DOJ rule update
- References WCAG 2.1 Level AA
- Applies to government websites and apps
Title III (Public Accommodations):
- Covers private businesses
- Courts reference WCAG 2.1 AA in settlements
- No explicit technical standard (yet)
Litigation: 4,605 federal lawsuits filed in 2024
ISO 9241: Human-System Interaction
Section titled “ISO 9241: Human-System Interaction”The comprehensive international standard for ergonomics of human-system interaction, comprising 40+ parts.
Key Parts
Section titled “Key Parts”| Part | Title | Latest Update |
|---|---|---|
| 9241-11 | Usability: Definitions and concepts | 2018 |
| 9241-110 | Interaction principles | 2020 |
| 9241-112 | Information presentation | 2025 (draft) |
| 9241-115 | Interaction design | 2024 |
| 9241-125 | Recommendations for visual presentation | 2017 |
| 9241-129 | Software individualization | 2010 |
| 9241-143 | Forms | 2012 |
| 9241-151 | World Wide Web interfaces | 2008 |
| 9241-161 | Visual elements | 2016 |
| 9241-171 | Software accessibility | 2008 |
| 9241-210 | Human-centred design | 2019 |
| 9241-220 | HCD processes | 2019 |
| 9241-221 | Process assessment | 2023 |
| 9241-400 | Physical input devices — Principles | 2007 |
| 9241-920 | Tactile and haptic interactions | 2024 |
Part 11: Usability (2018 Revision)
Section titled “Part 11: Usability (2018 Revision)”Defines usability as:
“The extent to which a system, product or service can be used by specified users to achieve specified goals with effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction in a specified context of use.”
Key components:
- Effectiveness — Accuracy and completeness of goal achievement
- Efficiency — Resources expended relative to results
- Satisfaction — Comfort and acceptability of use
2018 updates:
- Broadened scope from interfaces to entire system/service experience
- Added evaluation of negative consequences (health, safety, privacy)
- Enhanced definition of satisfaction (emotional and subjective aspects)
- Defines accessibility as “usability for people with the widest range of capabilities”
Part 210: Human-Centred Design (2019 Revision)
Section titled “Part 210: Human-Centred Design (2019 Revision)”Provides guidance on human-centered design processes throughout the product lifecycle.
Key principles:
- Design is based on explicit understanding of users, tasks, and environments
- Users are involved throughout design and development
- Design is driven and refined by user-centered evaluation
- Process is iterative
- Design addresses the whole user experience
- Design team includes multidisciplinary skills and perspectives
2019 updates:
- Incorporated agile and iterative design processes
- Replaced earlier ISO 13407 (1999)
- Added sustainability and accessibility considerations
Part 110: Interaction Principles (2020)
Section titled “Part 110: Interaction Principles (2020)”Seven principles for interaction design:
| Principle | Description |
|---|---|
| Suitability for the task | Supports efficient task completion |
| Self-descriptiveness | Interactions and states are clear |
| Conformity with expectations | Consistent with user expectations |
| Learnability | Supports discovery and learning |
| Controllability | User can control interaction pace and sequence |
| Use error robustness | Prevents, tolerates, and recovers from errors |
| User engagement | Motivating and engaging experience |
Part 115: Interaction Design (2024)
Section titled “Part 115: Interaction Design (2024)”New part covering:
- Conceptual design
- User-system interaction
- User interface design
- Navigation design
- Audio user interfaces (alerts, speech recognition)
- Integration with AI-driven applications (voice assistants)
Part 920: Tactile and Haptic Interactions (2024)
Section titled “Part 920: Tactile and Haptic Interactions (2024)”New part addressing:
- Touch interfaces
- Virtual reality haptics
- Multimodal feedback
- Tactile encodings for accessibility
Specification access: https://www.iso.org/series/604236
Platform Design Guidelines
Section titled “Platform Design Guidelines”Apple Human Interface Guidelines (HIG)
Section titled “Apple Human Interface Guidelines (HIG)”Design standards for Apple platforms.
| Platform | Focus |
|---|---|
| iOS/iPadOS | Touch interaction, gestures, navigation |
| macOS | Pointer interaction, menus, windows |
| watchOS | Glanceable, brief interactions |
| tvOS | Focus-based, remote interaction |
| visionOS | Spatial computing, eye/hand tracking |
Key principles:
- Clarity — Text is legible, icons are precise
- Deference — Content is prioritized over chrome
- Depth — Visual layers and motion aid understanding
Accessibility requirements:
- Dynamic Type support
- VoiceOver optimization
- Reduced Motion support
- Increased Contrast support
URL: https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/
Material Design 3 (Google)
Section titled “Material Design 3 (Google)”Google’s design system for Android and web.
Key features:
- Dynamic Color — Personalized color from user wallpaper
- Adaptive components — Responsive to screen size
- Motion system — Meaningful, focused animations
- Typography scale — Hierarchical type system
Accessibility:
- Minimum 4.5:1 contrast ratios
- 48×48dp minimum touch targets
- State indicators for interactive elements
- Focus management for keyboard users
Microsoft Fluent Design System
Section titled “Microsoft Fluent Design System”Microsoft’s design language for Windows and web.
Pillars:
- Light — Illuminate focus and meaning
- Depth — Create hierarchy and relationships
- Motion — Connect experiences and actions
- Material — Ground experiences in reality
- Scale — Expand experiences seamlessly
Accessibility:
- High Contrast mode support
- Narrator optimization
- Keyboard navigation patterns
- Touch and pen support
URL: https://fluent2.microsoft.design/
Usability Heuristics
Section titled “Usability Heuristics”Nielsen’s 10 Usability Heuristics
Section titled “Nielsen’s 10 Usability Heuristics”The most widely recognized usability principles, developed by Jakob Nielsen in 1994.
| # | Heuristic | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visibility of system status | Keep users informed through feedback |
| 2 | Match between system and real world | Use familiar language and concepts |
| 3 | User control and freedom | Support undo, redo, and escape |
| 4 | Consistency and standards | Follow platform conventions |
| 5 | Error prevention | Prevent errors before they occur |
| 6 | Recognition rather than recall | Minimize memory load |
| 7 | Flexibility and efficiency of use | Support accelerators for experts |
| 8 | Aesthetic and minimalist design | Remove irrelevant information |
| 9 | Help users recognize and recover | Clear error messages with solutions |
| 10 | Help and documentation | Provide searchable, task-oriented help |
- Original article: https://www.nngroup.com/articles/ten-usability-heuristics/
- Complete guide on this site →
Industry Resources
Section titled “Industry Resources”Research and Guidance
Section titled “Research and Guidance”| Organization | Focus | URL |
|---|---|---|
| Nielsen Norman Group | UX research, usability | https://www.nngroup.com/ |
| W3C WAI | Web accessibility | https://www.w3.org/WAI/ |
| WebAIM | Accessibility tools/training | https://webaim.org/ |
| A11y Project | Community accessibility | https://www.a11yproject.com/ |
| Deque | Accessibility tools/training | https://www.deque.com/ |
| Baymard Institute | E-commerce UX research | https://baymard.com/ |
Accessibility Testing Tools
Section titled “Accessibility Testing Tools”| Tool | Type | URL |
|---|---|---|
| axe DevTools | Browser extension | https://www.deque.com/axe/ |
| WAVE | Browser extension | https://wave.webaim.org/ |
| Lighthouse | Chrome DevTools | Built into Chrome |
| Pa11y | CI/CD integration | https://pa11y.org/ |
| NVDA | Screen reader (Windows) | https://www.nvaccess.org/ |
| VoiceOver | Screen reader (macOS/iOS) | Built into Apple devices |
Annual Reports
Section titled “Annual Reports”| Report | Publisher | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| WebAIM Million | WebAIM | Accessibility of top 1M sites |
| State of Mobile UX | Baymard | E-commerce mobile usability |
| Accessibility Legal Landscape | Seyfarth Shaw | ADA lawsuit trends |
Recent Developments (2024-2025)
Section titled “Recent Developments (2024-2025)”WCAG 2.2 Adoption
Section titled “WCAG 2.2 Adoption”WCAG 2.2 became a W3C Recommendation in October 2023. Key adoption milestones:
- ISO/IEC 40500:2025 approval (October 2025)
- EN 301 549 v4.1.1 (planned 2026) will reference WCAG 2.2 AA
- Courts increasingly citing WCAG 2.2 in litigation
European Accessibility Act Enforcement
Section titled “European Accessibility Act Enforcement”The EAA became legally applicable on June 28, 2025:
- E-commerce, banking, transport must comply
- Penalties up to €100,000 or 4% of revenue
- Technical standard: EN 301 549 / WCAG 2.1 AA
US Regulatory Updates
Section titled “US Regulatory Updates”- April 2024: DOJ published Title II final rule referencing WCAG 2.1 AA
- Section 508 update to WCAG 2.2 expected by 2026
- 4,605 ADA lawsuits filed in 2024 (steady high volume)
ISO 9241 Evolution
Section titled “ISO 9241 Evolution”Recent and upcoming parts:
- Part 115 (2024): Interaction design including AI/voice
- Part 920 (2024): Tactile and haptic interactions
- Part 112 (2025): Information presentation principles
WCAG 3.0 Development
Section titled “WCAG 3.0 Development”W3C continues developing WCAG 3.0 with:
- New testing approach (bronze/silver/gold)
- Broader scope (beyond web to all digital content)
- New success criteria structure
- Expected publication: TBD (multi-year effort)
References
Section titled “References”WCAG:
European:
US:
ISO 9241:
- ISO 9241 — Wikipedia
- ISO 9241-210:2019 — ISO
- ISO 9241-11:2018 — ISO
- What Is ISO 9241? — Alekvs
- ISO 9241 Usability Standard — UserFocus
Platform Guidelines:
See Also
Section titled “See Also”- Key Principles & Laws — Foundational design principles
- WCAG Guidelines — Our detailed WCAG guide
- Nielsen’s 10 Usability Heuristics — Complete breakdown
- Accessibility Checklist — Practical compliance checklist
- Books & Further Reading — Recommended reading