The Role of Standardization for Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) and the Design of Safe and Healthy Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

Abstract

The relationship between standardization and HCI design often appears contradictory to those involved: on the one hand, standardization, presumed to be rigid and conservative; on the other, the HCI community, presumed to be trendy and innovative. However, HCI design and the resulting products benefit from the application of standards. The consideration of standards is often the essential key to smooth market access – especially in the field of safety and security. It also supports task-oriented, user-optimized and health-friendly design of HCI – ISO 9241 “Ergonomics of human-system interaction” exemplifies this connection. The conference contribution gives insights into the field of standardization and provides an overview of the relationship between standardization, occupational safety and health (OSH) and HCI. The process of standards development and participation in standardization is presented in the context of the legal framework – exemplified by the European system. In addition, the reference to occupational health and safety and the aspects of digitalization are explained by examples.