This document provides a self-assessment of an organization’s human-centred design principles, processes, and activities throughout the life cycle of computer-based interactive systems. It also provides an overview of information given in the ISO 9241-200 series of standards. It is intended to be used as an introduction and self-assessment guide to human-centred design (HCD). Its target audience is personnel responsible for and managing design processes, and it is concerned with ways in which both hardware and software components of interactive systems can enhance human–system interaction.

This document does not provide detailed coverage of the methods and techniques required for human-centred design, nor does it address health or safety aspects in detail. Although it addresses the planning and management of human-centred design, it does not address all aspects of project management.

NOTE            Detailed human factors, ergonomics, usability and accessibility issues are dealt with more fully in a number of standards including other parts of ISO 9241 and ISO 6385, which sets out the broad principles of ergonomics.