What is ISO 55186-2018?

ISO 55186-2018 is an international standard that provides guidelines for the design and evaluation of user interfaces for interactive systems. The standard aims to ensure that user interfaces are easy to use, efficient, and effective in meeting user needs.

Benefits of ISO 55186-2018

Implementing ISO 55186-2018 can bring several benefits to organizations and users alike:

- Improved usability: By following the guidelines provided in the standard, organizations can create user interfaces that are more intuitive, reducing the learning curve for users and increasing overall usability.

- Increased efficiency: User interfaces designed in accordance with ISO 55186-2018 facilitate faster and more efficient interactions between users and systems, saving time and effort.

- Enhanced user satisfaction: With a focus on user-centered design, the standard helps organizations create interfaces that better meet user needs and preferences, leading to increased user satisfaction.

Key principles of ISO 55186-2018

ISO 55186-2018 emphasizes certain key principles in the design and evaluation of user interfaces:

- Task suitability: User interfaces should be designed to support users in completing their tasks effectively and efficiently. This includes providing clear and concise instructions, feedback, and controls.

- User guidance: Interfaces should guide users through the interaction process, helping them understand the system's capabilities and how to accomplish specific tasks. Help documentation and error handling should also be provided.

- Consistency and standards: Consistent design elements and interaction patterns should be used throughout the interface to enhance predictability and ease of use. Compliance with existing interface standards is also encouraged.

- Learnability: Interfaces should be easy to learn, allowing users to quickly become proficient in using the system. This includes providing clear and structured organization of functions and features.

Implementing ISO 55186-2018

Organizations can implement ISO 55186-2018 by following these steps:

1. Familiarize yourself with the standard: Read and understand the guidelines provided by ISO 55186-2018 to gain knowledge of the best practices for user interface design and evaluation.

2. Evaluate existing interfaces: Assess your current user interfaces against the standard's guidelines to identify areas for improvement.

3. Redesign or improve: Based on the evaluation, make necessary changes to align your interfaces with the standard's principles and recommendations.

4. Test and evaluate: Conduct usability testing to determine the effectiveness of the redesigned interface. Gather feedback from users and make further refinements as needed.

5. Document and train: Document the design decisions and guidelines followed in the development of your user interfaces. Train your staff on the standard to ensure its proper implementation is maintained.

By embracing ISO 55186-2018, organizations can create user interfaces that enhance usability, efficiency, and user satisfaction, ultimately leading to improved customer experiences.