ISO 9355-3:2006

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 9355-3
First edition
2006-09-15
Ergonomic requirements for the design
of displays and control actuators —
Part 3:
Control actuators
Spécifications ergonomiques pour la conception des dispositifs
de signalisation et des organes de service —
Partie 3: Organes de service
Reference number
©
ISO 2006
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©  ISO 2006
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ii © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword. iv
1 Scope .1
2 Normative references .1
3 Terms and definitions .1
4 Selection procedure — General .2
5 Task evaluation and information collection.4
5.1 Task requirements and characteristics.4
5.2 Determination of general task requirements [5.1 a) to c)].7
5.3 Determination of specific task requirements [5.1 d) to i)] .9
5.4 Specification of movement characteristics [5.1 j) to n)] .10
5.5 Specification of grip characteristics [5.1 o) to q)] .11
5.6 Recording the information.13
6 Intermediate selection of control families.13
7 Identification of suitable control types.17
7.1 Step 1 — Comparison of grip characteristics.17
7.2 Step 2 — Comparison of specific task requirements .18
7.3 Check for influence of actuator position.18
8 Additional information for design of manual control actuators .28
8.1 General.28
8.2 Dimensions.28
8.3 Actuation force or torque.28
8.4 Position relative to operator .29
8.5 Position relative to visual displays.29
8.6 Compatibility and consistency.29
Annex A (informative) Example of use of this part of ISO 9355 .30
Bibliography .34

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 9355-3 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 159, Ergonomics, Subcommittee SC 4,
Ergonomics of human-system interaction.
ISO 9355 consists of the following parts, under the general title Ergonomic requirements for the design of
displays and control actuators:
⎯ Part 1: Human interactions with displays and control actuators
⎯ Part 2: Displays
⎯ Part 3: Control actuators
⎯ Part 4: Location and arrangement of displays and control actuators

iv © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 9355-3:2006(E)

Ergonomic requirements for the design of displays and control
actuators —
Part 3:
Control actuators
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS — It is particularly important that the provisions of this part of ISO 9355 be
observed wherever the operation of a control actuator could lead to injury or damage to health, either
directly or as a result of human error.
1 Scope
This part of ISO 9355 gives ergonomic requirements for, and guidance on, the selection, design and location
of control actuators adapted to the needs of the operator, suitable for the control task in question and taking
account of the circumstances of their use. It is applicable to manual control actuators used in equipment for
both occupational and private use.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 447, Machine tools — Direction of operation of controls
ISO 9355-1:1999, Ergonomic requirements for the design of displays and control actuators — Part 1: Human
interactions with displays and control actuators
ISO 9355-2, Ergonomic requirements for the design of displays and control actuators — Part 2: Displays
IEC 60447, Basic and safety principles for man-machine interface, marking and identification — Actuating
principles
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
control actuator
part of the control actuating system that is directly actuated by the operator, e.g. by applying pressure
[ISO 9355-1:1999, 3.1]
3.2
manual control actuator
control actuator adjusted or manipulated by the human hand to effect change in a system
EXAMPLE Push-button, knob, steering wheel.
NOTE Touch-sensitive actuation is not included.
3.3
control type
range of control actuators with the same movement and grip characteristics, and fulfilling similar task
requirements
3.4
control family
group of control types
3.5
operator
person given the task of installing, operating, adjusting, maintaining, cleaning, repairing or transporting
machinery
[EN 894-3:2000, 3.5]
3.6
task
work task
activity or activities required to achieve an intended outcome of the work system
[EN 894-3:2000, 3.6]
3.7
control task
activity where a control actuator is used to achieve a task goal
4 Selection procedure — General
Many types of manual control actuators are available — from push-buttons to hand wheels. Each type is
suited to particular task requirements and certain operator capabilities. Environmental factors (e.g. illumination,
vibration) and organizational factors (e.g. team work, workstation separation) also have to be considered.
To ensure safe and efficient operation, the correct selection of control actuators is most important. The
following clauses specify a systematic selection procedure that will enable designers and manufacturers to
select manual control actuators to meet their specific requirements. Clause 5 describes the information
required for selecting appropriate control actuators; Clauses 6 and 7 then specify how this information is to be
used in order to make the selection.
The selection procedure involves three main steps, carried out in an iterative manner:
⎯ task evaluation and information collection (Clause 5);
⎯ intermediate selection of control families (Clause 6);
⎯ identification of suitable control types (Clause 7).
Figure 1 shows the selection procedure overall.
2 © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

Figure 1 — Overall procedure for selecting manual control actuators
5 Task evaluation and information collection
5.1 Task requirements and characteristics
The division of tasks between the operator and the equipment should have been determined early in the
design process according to the recommendations given in EN 614-1 and ISO 9355-1.
There are general and specific requirements imposed by a task which normally cannot be changed. If it is not
possible to find a suitable control actuator for a specified task, then the allocation of this task or the task itself
has to be reconsidered.
The task requirements considered in this International Standard are ones that experience has shown to be the
most important in selecting manual control actuators. They are as follows.
General task requirements:
a) accuracy required in positioning the manual control actuator (accuracy);
b) speed of setting required (speed);
c) force/torque requirements (force).
Specific task requirements:
d) need for visual checking of manual control actuator setting (visual check);
e) need for tactile checking of setting (tactile check);
f) need to avoid inadvertent operation (inadvertent operation);
g) need to avoid hand slipping from manual control actuator (friction);
h) need for operator to wear gloves (use with gloves);
i) need for easy cleaning (ease of cleaning).
The general task requirements are used to identify classes of suitable control actuators. The specific task
requirements are used in selecting individual control actuators within these classes. In evaluating the task
requirements, the classification scheme according to Table 1 should be used. This differentiates between five
different levels, from 0 to 4.
Table 1 — Classification scheme for evaluating
task requirements
Code Symbol Degree of requirements
0 Negligible
1 Low
2 Average
3 High
4 Very high
4 © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

The task requirements do not need to be evaluated precisely; therefore, the detailed evaluation procedure
given in 5.2 and 5.3 presents classification systems that have been found to be sufficiently accurate.
The characteristics of the various types of control actuator need to be considered, in order to determine the
available selection options. This part of ISO 9355 gives information on both movement characteristics and grip
characteristics. In many cases, some of these characteristics will have been predetermined by the task
requirements.
Movement characteristics:
j) type of movement;
k) axis of movement;
l) direction of movement;
m) continuity of movement;
n) angle of rotation for continuous rotary movements >180°.
Grip characteristics:
o) type of grip;
p) part of hand applying force;
q) method of applying force.
The above categories, a) to q), are used throughout this part of ISO 9355.
NOTE The shorter descriptions given between parentheses for the task requirements [a) to i)] are used in table
headings where space is limited.
See Figure 2 for an example of the form to be used for recording the results of the evaluation. The following
subclauses (5.2 to 5.5) give the procedure for completing the recording form of Figure 2. The method for
assigning each general task requirement to a class in Table 1 is also given. All acceptable task requirements
should be entered on the recording form.
Degree of requirement
(Classification)
Related
Description of information subclause of Remark
0 1 2 3 4
ISO 9355-3
General task requirements: 5.2
a) Accuracy 5.2.1
b) Speed 5.2.2
c) Force 5.2.3
Specific task requirements: 5.3
d) Visual check 5.3.1
e) Tactile check 5.3.2
f) Inadvertent operation 5.3.3
g) Friction 5.3.4
h) Use with gloves 5.3.5
i) Ease of cleaning 5.3.6
Movement characteristics: 5.4
j) Type of movement 5.4.2 Linear Rotary
k) Axis of movement 5.4.3 X Y Z X Y Z
l) Direction of movement 5.4.4 +/− +/− +/− +/− +/− +/−
m) Continuity of movement 5.4.5 Continuous Discrete
n) Angle of rotation for continuous
5.4.6 Yes No
rotary movement >180°
Grip characteristics: 5.5
o) Type of grip (see Figure 4) 5.5.1 Contact Pinch Clench
p) Part of hand applying force 5.5.2 Finger Hand
q) Method of applying force 5.5.3 Normal Tangential
Figure 2 — Form for recording information used in manual control actuator selection procedure —
Example
6 © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

5.2 Determination of general task requirements [5.1 a) to c)]
5.2.1 Task requirement a) — Classification of accuracy (accuracy)
The accuracy required shall be assigned to a class in accordance with Table 1.
The accuracy required in the operation of a manual control actuator is determined by the task that has to be
performed. Accuracy is influenced by a number of factors, the most important of which is continuity of
movement required, i.e. whether action of a manual control actuator takes place in discrete steps or
continuously.
Adequate feedback of information to the operator is necessary to minimize mistakes in positioning.
High accuracy is inconsistent with high force application and the selection procedure takes this into account.
Thus, a requirement for high force and high accuracy together will not lead to the successful selection of a
suitable manual control actuator.
Where control actuators are used frequently or for long durations, accuracy requirements are increased.
Accuracy in positioning relates to the accuracy of positioning a manual control actuator itself. Accuracy in the
positioning of the controlled component may be increased by mechanical means, e.g. gears. In this case, a
high accuracy of positioning of the controlled component can be achieved by use of a manual control actuator
capable of only low accuracy.
5.2.1.1 Discrete manual control actuator movements
A discrete manual control actuator movement is one where the manual control actuator can only be moved to
a number of fixed positions e.g. rotary switch, on/off switch. The error in selecting the correct position
increases with the number of discrete positions. Thus, two positions shall be rated as “negligible”
requirements, while 24 positions shall be rated as “high” requirements. Manual control actuators with more
than 24 discrete positions should be avoided.
Accuracy can be improved by, for example, feedback to the operator of information on the current value of the
controlled variable, by clear labelling of manual control actuator positions, and/or by placing the manual
control actuator where it can be easily seen and moved.
For manual control actuators, a visual indication of the function of each position should be provided either by
labels or a display.
Positions should not be indicated by numbers (“1”, “2”, etc.) or letters (“A”, “B”, etc.) to indicate a function,
since this requires the operator to remember the related functions and leads to mistakes. Labels 1, 2. may be
used where the value of the variable controlled varies from position to position at least on an ordinal scale.
This becomes more important as the number of discrete positions increases. Labels and displays shall be
designed in accordance with ISO 9355-2.
When selecting control actuators whose functions are critical to avoiding injury or damage to health, it is
especially important that these requirements are followed.
5.2.1.2 Continuous manual control actuator movements
Where movement of a manual control actuator corresponds to a continuous change in a controlled variable,
the extent to which the variable deviates from the required value is a measure of error. The probability of
making an error depends mainly on the time allowed to complete the task (speed), availability of feedback of
information to the operator, and operating force.
For continuous control actuator movements, appropriate feedback of information to the operator shall be
provided, for example, by indicating the direction and speed of the component controlled. This may be
achieved by a display, by movements of other objects relative to the operator (e.g. movement of the
surroundings when driving a vehicle, movement of a lathe tool), or by other suitable means.
Where tasks have to be completed at speed, e.g. continuous tracking of a target, high accuracy can only be
achieved by provision of low force demands as well as visual feedback of information. For continuous tracking
tasks, the requirements for accuracy in positioning the manual control actuator shall be rated as “very high”
requirements.
The direction of movement of manual control actuators relative to the controlled component shall be in
accordance with ISO 447 for machine tools, IEC 60447 for electrical equipment, and ISO 9355-2.
5.2.2 Task requirement b) — Classification of speed (speed)
The speed of operation required shall be assigned to a class in accordance with Table 1.
The time to complete a manual control actuator movement is composed of two components: time to reach and
grasp the manual control actuator, and time to make the control movement. The former of these depends on
the position of the manual control actuator relative to the operator and the type of grip necessary for its
operation. In general, manual control actuators requiring contact grip are quicker to operate than manual
control actuators requiring pinch grip, which in turn are quicker than manual control actuators requiring clench
grip (see 5.5.2). For emergency situations it is essential for actuation to be as quick as possible. A mushroom-
shaped actuator operated by hand contact is therefore recommended for emergency stop functions on
machinery.
High speed of operation is inconsistent with a high force requirement, and the highest speeds can only be
obtained when the force is lowest. Thus for continuous tasks, such as keyboard operation, where high speed
is necessary, the operating force should be kept low. The specification of high speed and high force
requirements together will not lead to the successful selection of a suitable manual control actuator.
5.2.3 Task requirement c) — Classification of force/torque (force)
Control actuators can be used to move parts of a machine. In some circumstances, large forces are needed to
move these parts. Some machine designs allow mechanical or power assistance to minimize the load on the
operator when using the control actuator. Where this is not possible, the magnitude of the force or torque
required to operate the manual control actuator shall be assigned to a class in accordance with Table 2. The
symbols in this table are used later in the evaluation process, therefore it is recommended that the appropriate
symbol be recorded. Where control actuators are used frequently or for long durations force requirements are
increased.
Table 2 — Classification of force/torque for selection
of manual control actuators
Code Symbol Force Torque Degree of requirements
N N ⋅ m
0 < 10 N < 0,5 Negligible
1 W 10 to < 25 W 0,5 to < 1,50 Low

2 W 25 to < 50 W 1,50 to < 3,0 Average

3 W 50 to < 80 W 3,0 to < 5,0 High

4 W 80 to < 120 W 5,0 to < 50 Very high

8 © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

5.3 Determination of specific task requirements [5.1 d) to i)]
Some of these may have been specified earlier in the design process. The designer should note on the
recording form those which have been predetermined. Any which have to be excluded because of decisions
earlier in the design process should also be noted on the form.
Assigning a high classification to some requirements may prevent high classifications being achieved for
others, e.g. a “very high” requirement for friction might not be compatible with “very high” for ease of cleaning.
Because of this, it is important to ensure that the requirements that are most critical from a safety point of view
are met before considering less crucial aspects.
Where incompatible requirements are identified, it will be necessary to reconsider the task design or, where
this is not possible, to reduce the requirements for the less important aspects.
All acceptable degrees of requirements should be entered on the recording form shown in Figure 2.
5.3.1 Task requirement d) — Need for visual checking of manual control actuator setting (visual check)
In the operation of manual control actuators it is important to have feedback to the operator that the correct
control action has been performed. This may be accomplished, for example, by a change in reading of a
display, a visual or audible change in the process being controlled, etc. It is often advantageous to ensure that
the setting of the manual control actuator can be visually checked, particularly where movement is in discrete
steps and no other form of feedback is provided.
The need for visual checking of the manual control actuator setting shall be assigned to a class in accordance
with Table 1.
5.3.2 Task requirement e) — Need for tactile checking of setting (tactile check)
In some situations where the operator’s vision is fully occupied or the control actuator is located away from the
operator’s field of vision, it is important for the position of manual control actuators to be readily identified by
touch. Identification by touch can also be useful in reinforcing other forms of information feedback to the
operator where safety critical functions are involved.
The need for tactile checking of the manual control actuator setting shall be assigned to a class in accordance
with Table 1.
5.3.3 Task requirement f) — Need to avoid inadvertent operation
The importance of avoiding inadvertent operation of a manual control actuator depends on the consequences
of such accidental operation. It is particularly important where injury or damage to health could result. This
part of ISO 9355 gives information on the degree of difficulty in inadvertently operating a control actuator itself.
In some circumstances, where very high risks are present, this may not be considered sufficient. In such
cases, the following measures should be considered:
⎯ location of manual control actuator in a recess;
⎯ shrouding the manual control actuator (e.g. cover to prevent access of parts of body larger than the hand,
surround manual control actuator with a collar);
⎯ use of manual control actuators that are operated in two movements at right angles to each other;
⎯ use of a lock-out system;
⎯ use of two-hand controls (for details, see EN 574).
The need to avoid inadvertent operation shall be assigned to a class in accordance with Table 1.
5.3.4 Task requirement g) — Need to avoid hand slipping from manual control actuator (friction)
Where manual control actuators are used continuously or frequently, it is important, for reliable operation and
safety, to ensure that the operator’s hand does not slip on the manual control actuator’s surface. This will be
particularly important where a requirement for high force application has been identified.
The need to avoid slippage of the hand on the manual control actuator shall be assigned to a class in
accordance with Table 1.
5.3.5 Task requirement h) — Need for operator to wear gloves
Whether or not an operator needs to wear gloves depends on the process. The need for gloves shall be
assigned to a class in accordance with Table 1.
Where no gloves are required, this may be classified as “negligible” (see Table 1). Where thick gloves need to
be worn continuously, for example, where metal components have to be handled frequently or for long
durations, it should be classed as “very high”.
5.3.6 Task requirement i) — Need for easy cleaning
In some applications, for example on machinery for food processing, it is important to ensure that all parts
— including manual control actuators — are easy to clean.
The need for ease of cleaning shall be assigned to a class in accordance with Table 1. Where hygiene needs
to be considered, this may be classified as a “high” to “very high” requirement, depending on its importance.
5.4 Specification of movement characteristics [5.1 j) to n)]
5.4.1 General
A manual control actuator could be located in many positions relative to the operator. For equipment to be
used by a standing operator there will be a series of normal operating positions, any one of which may be
assumed in making the evaluations described in this part of ISO 9355. For a seated operator, the evaluation
should be made relative to the preferred seat position.
The recommendations given in this part of ISO 9355 are valid for control actuators placed in the space
immediately in front of the operator. Caution should be exercised in applying this part of ISO 9355 outside
these limits. Where doubt exists, user trials should be conducted (see EN 614-1).
The right-angled axis system to be used in the evaluation is shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3 — Axis systems for linear and rotary movements
10 © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

Five characteristics (j, k, l, m, n) relate to the determination of movement. Their evaluation requires description
of the location of movement in space. Only those restrictions on movement characteristics that are imposed
by the initial design specification should be entered on the recording form (see Figure 2).
All acceptable characteristics should be entered on the recording form.
5.4.2 Movement characteristic j) — Type of movement (linear or rotary)
The type of movement required from the manual control actuator is in one of two groups according to whether
the movement is essentially linear or rotary over the distance the hand will move. In this sense, long levers are
classified as linear. Where earlier specifications or consideration of postural constraints restrict the type of
movement, either ‘linear’ or ‘rotary’ should be entered on the recording form (see Figure 2).
5.4.3 Movement characteristic k) — Axis of movement
The axis of movement is the axis, along or around which movement takes place relative to the operator (see
Figure 3). It is necessary to consider the possible postures the operator may adopt and the movements of the
operator’s upper body when using the manual control actuator. Where earlier specification or consideration of
postural constraints restricts the axes of movement, the possible movement axes should be entered on the
recording form. The predominant movement should be classified as X, Y or Z relative to one of the three axes
shown in Figure 3.
5.4.4 Movement characteristic l) — Direction of movement
The direction of movement is the direction to actuate the control relative to the axis as shown in Figure 3.
“+” and “−” directions are indicated for both linear and rotary movements. Where earlier specification or
consideration of postural constraints restricts the direction of movement, the possible movement directions
should be entered on the recording form. Where the operator is required to move the manual control actuator
in both directions “+/−” should be recorded.
5.4.5 Movement characteristic m) — Continuity of movement
Continuity of movement describes whether the operation is continuous or takes place in discrete steps e.g. a
multi-position switch. Where earlier specification restricts whether either continuously variable controls or
controls which operate in discrete steps are used then this should be indicated on the recording form.
NOTE Normally this will have been determined when classifying the general task requirements, accuracy and speed.
Where the operation of a manual control actuator is linked to a visual display, its movement shall be
compatible with the movement of the display (see ISO 9355-1 and ISO 9355-2).
5.4.6 Movement characteristic n) — Angle of rotation for continuous rotary movement > 180°
For rotary manual control actuators, this describes whether rotation is continuous for more than 180° (Yes) or
not (No). Where earlier specification or consideration of postural constraints restricts whether more than a half
turn is required for a rotary control actuator, then this restriction should be entered on the recording form.
5.5 Specification of grip characteristics [5.1 o) to q)]
Grip characteristics address the interaction between the hand and the control actuator: three types of
characteristic are described. Only those restrictions on grip characteristics that are imposed by the initial
design specification should be entered on the recording form.
Contact actuation Pinch actuation Clench actuation

Key
1 finger 6 three fingers
2 two fingers 7 evenly spaced
3 thumb opposed 8 thumb opposed
4 thumb at right angle 9 fingers
5 thumb 10 hand
Figure 4 — Types of grip (see 5.5.2)
5.5.1 Grip characteristic o) — Type of grip
There are three types of grip between the operator’s hand and the manual control actuator (see Figure 4):
⎯ contact grip, where a unidirectional force is applied by a finger, thumb or hand to a control actuator;
⎯ pinch grip, where the manual control actuator is held by fingers and/or thumb without clenching the fist;
⎯ clench grip, where all the fingers are wrapped around the manual control actuator (see Figure 4).
Where earlier specification or consideration of postural constraints restricts the grip, then the possible grip
characteristics should be entered on the recording form.
5.5.2 Grip characteristic p) — Part of hand applying force
This is the part of the hand, whether one finger, several fingers or the whole hand, used to operate the control
actuator. Where earlier specification or consideration of postural constraints restricts the part of the hand that
can apply the force, then the possible parts of the hand should be entered on the recording form.
12 © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

5.5.3 Grip characteristic q) — Method of applying force
This refers to whether the force is applied normal or tangential to the surface of the manual control actuator.
The former relies primarily on the shape of the actuator and the finger or hand interlocking, whereas the latter
relies primarily on the friction between the actuator surface and the skin. Where earlier specification or
consideration of postural constraints restricts the method of applying force, then either normal or tangential
should be entered on the recording form.
5.6 Recording the information
The form in Figure 2 is given as a means of recording the preceding information. The form should be
completed as far as is possible up to this stage. It is useful to record those requirements which are the most
important or critical or which cannot be changed: the remarks column can be used for this purpose.
6 Intermediate selection of control families
In order to be able to proceed with the selection process, the information collated on the recording form is
used as follows.
Figures 5 and 6 allow the selection of control families for linear and rotary control actuators, respectively. The
first column provides a number for each row, L1.L41 and R1.R33. The next three columns denote possible
combinations of accuracy, speed and force using the classification scheme from Clause 5. The fifth column
denotes those axes and directions of movement for which the combinations of accuracy, speed and force in
the previous three columns can be met. The final two columns denote control families, designated by numbers,
which meet the criteria in each row. One column is used for discrete movement control actuators, the other
continuous movement. Figure 6 has a further column which allows selection of control families which require
more than a half turn.
If earlier design specification has stipulated whether a linear or a rotary control actuator should be used, then
it will only be necessary to use one or the other of Figure 5 or Figure 6.
Using Figures 5 and/or 6:
⎯ take the acceptable combinations of speed, accuracy and force from the recording form (see Figure 2);
⎯ compare these with the combinations given in the corresponding columns in Figures 5 and 6;
⎯ select all those rows in Figures 5 and 6 which fulfil these requirements;
⎯ for the selected rows, compare the movement characteristics (k, l, m, n) with those specified in the
recording form;
⎯ select all control families which meet these requirements.
The movement characteristics can now be checked. Where particular movement characteristics have already
been determined, it is possible to compare these with the available movement characteristics on the rows that
have been identified as meeting the general task requirements. Rows which contain the required axis (k) and
direction (l) of movement are used to select possible control families from the last two columns. Where
discrete or continuous movement (m) has already been specified, then the appropriate column should be used.
For each row which meets the above requirements the number of the control family in the appropriate final
column should be recorded.
If no row complies with all the general task requirements, then a suitable manual control actuator will not be
able to be identified, and it will then be necessary to reconsider the general task requirements. The above
procedure should then be repeated until at least one row in Figure 5 or 6 matches all imposed requirements.
Row Available degree of requirements Movement Control family number
number characteristics
a) b) c) k) and l) m) m)
Accuracy Speed Force Axis and Discreet Continuous
direction of movement movement
movement
L1 X + Y – 6 14
L2 X + 4 12
L3 X + 1 10
L4 X + 7 —
L5 X + 2 11
L6 X + 5 13
L7 X + and Z + 8 15
L8 X + 9 16
L9 X – 1 10
L10 X – 4 12
L11 X – 5 13
L12 X – 2 11
L13 X – 3 —
L14 X – 8 15
L15 X – 9 16
L16 Y +/– 4 12
L17 Y +/– 1 10
L18 Y +/– 7 —
L19 Y + 2 11
L20 Y + 6 14
L21 Y + 8 15
L22 Y + 9 16
L23 Y – 7 —
L24 Y – and Z – 2 11
L25 Y – 5 13
L26 Y – 3 —
L27 Y – 6 14
Figure 5 — Selection of control families — Linear
14 © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

Row Available degree of requirements Movement Control family number
number characteristics
a) b) c) k) and l) m) m)
Accuracy Speed Force Axis and Discreet Continuous
direction of movement movement
movement
L28 Y – 9 16
L29 Z +/– 1 10
L30 Z + 4 12
L31 Z + 5 13
L32 Z + 6 14
L33 Z + 3 —
L34 Z + 9 16
L35 Z – 7 —
L36 Z – 4 12
L37 Z – 5 13
L38 Z – 8 15
L39 Z – 6 14
L40 Z – 3 —
L41 Z – 9 16
Figure 5 — Selection of control families — Linear (continued)
Row Available degree of requirements Movement Control family number
number characteristics
a) b) c) k) and l) m) m) Continuous movement
Accuracy Speed Force Axis and Discreet
n) Suitable for
direction of movement
rotation > 180°
movement
R1 X+/–Z+/– 21 30
R2 X+/–Z+/– 20 29
R3 Y+/– 18 27
R4 X+/–Y+Z+/– 23 33
R5 X+/–Y+Z– 25 36
R6 X+/– 24 35
R7 X+/– 19
R8 X+Y– 20 28 Yes
R9 X+Y+/– 17 26
R10 X+Y– 22 32
R11 X+ 22 31 Yes
R12 X+Y– 24 34 Yes
R13 X–Y+ 20 28 Yes
R14 X– 17 26
R15 X–Y+Z– 22 31 Yes
R16 X– 22 32
R17 X–Y+Z– 24 34 Yes
R18 Y+/– 21 30
R19 Y+/– 20 29
R20 Y+/– 18 27
R21 Y+ 24 35
R22 Y+Z– 25 36
R23 Y– 24 35
R24 Y– 25 36
R25 Y– 22 31 Yes
R26 Z+/– 17 26
R27 Z+/– 18 27
Figure 6 — Selection of control families — Rotary
16 © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

Row Available degree of requirements Movement Control family number
number characteristics
a) b) c) k) and l) m) m) Continuous movement
Accuracy Speed Force Axis and Discreet
n) Suitable for
direction of movement
rotation > 180°
movement
R28 Z+/– 22 32
R29 Z+/– 19
R30 Z+ 20 28 Yes
R31 Z+ 24 34,35 Yes
R32 Z– 20 28 Yes
R33 Z– 24 35
Figure 6 — Selection of control families — Rotary (continued)
7 Identification of suitable control types
The final selection of control actuators involves comparing the specific task requirements and grip
characteristics of those control families identified as being suitable in Clause 6. This requires the use of the
remaining information entered in the recording form of Figure 2.
Figure 7 contains information on the characteristics of different types of control actuators, and is divided into
four sections:
⎯ linear control actuators — discrete movements;
⎯ linear control actuators — continuous movements;
⎯ rotary control actuators — discrete movements;
⎯ rotary control actuators — continuous movements.
The number in the first column of each section identifies a group of similar control types; this number is used
to cross-reference from Figures 5 and 6. The second column contains information on the grip characteristics
for actuating controls of this type. This specifies the type of grip (o), the part of the hand applying the force (p),
and the method of applying the force (q). The third column describes particular control types that are part of
the control family. A typical example of such a type is illustrated in the column that follows. The next six
columns describe the features of these control types in terms of the specific task requirements d), e), f), g), h)
and i). The final column contains remarks which could help in the selection process.
7.1 Step 1 — Comparison of grip characteristics
Using Figure 7, take the numbers of all control families identified in Figures 5 and 6, then look up the
corresponding numbers in the first column of Figure 7.
If any grip characteristics are specified in the recording form (see Figure 2), compare them with the grip
characteristics associated with each selected control family.
Proceed to step 2 for those control families that have compatible grip characteristics.
7.2 Step 2 — Comparison of specific task requirements
For each control type in a suitable control family, compare the specific task requirements to the associated
features d), e), f), g), h) and i) given in Figure 7.
If the classification of the features in Figure 7 matches the equivalent specific task requirements, then mark
that control type as being suitable for further consideration.
If the classification of the features in Figure 7 does not match the equivalent specific task requirements then
that control type is not suitable.
Each possible control family should be assessed in turn until a list of possible control types has been
generated.
If it is not possible to find a match between the specific task requirements and the features of the control type
then it will be necessary to re-evaluate the specific task requirements or determine if other aspects of the
specification can be altered so as to allow a successful selection of a control type.
7.3 Check for influence of actuator position
If there is doubt as to the suitability of a particular location, then user trials should be conducted.
Where the requirement for visual check d) cannot be satisfied, consideration should first be given to providing
additional feedback of information by labels, displays etc.
If no satisfactory manual control actuator is found after the above measures have been considered, then the
task allocation has to be reconsidered.
Where many possible types of control actuator are identified it is recommended that the most important of the
task requirements be identified and then those control actuators having the highest classification for that task
requirement be selected.
18 © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

Control family Control type Typical Features (specific task requirements)
examples
No. Grip  d) e) f) g) h) i) Rem
...