scope:

Provides recommendations for user guidance attributes of software user interfaces and their evaluation. User guidance as defined in ISO 9241-13 is additional information beyond the regular user-computer-dialogue that is provided to the user on request or is automatically provided by the system. Covers both user guidance and interaction components that aid users in recovering from error conditions. User guidance as covered by this standard includes recommendations specific to prompts, feedback and status, error management and on-line help as well as recommendations common to all these types of user guidance. While guidance for the user can be provided via other means (e.g. on-line tutorials, on-line documentation, intelligent system performance aids) these types of guidance are not adressed by this part. The recommendations in this part are formulated to be independent of applications, environment, or technology. They correspond to typical situations involving special needs for information and actions. This standard may apply in all or in portions. For example, applications that do not have browsable help would not need to follow recommendations in this class of user guidance.