ISO/IEC 23836:2020

Overview

ISO/IEC 23836:2020, titled Information technology - User interfaces - Universal interface for human language selection, is an international standard developed by ISO and IEC. This standard specifies methods for selecting human languages within information and communication technology (ICT) devices. Its main purpose is to guide designers and developers in creating intuitive user interfaces that enable end-users to easily set their preferred language environment when initiating device operation.

The standard applies universally to ICT devices featuring language settings, ensuring consistency and accessibility across a broad range of technologies. Key considerations include graphical and non-graphical language selection approaches, with recommendations to accommodate users with different needs and contexts.

Key Topics

• Universal Language Selection Interface: The standard outlines how ICT devices should incorporate one or more methods for language selection accessible at any time during operation.

• Graphical Symbols and Icons: ISO/IEC 23836:2020 introduces a standardized graphical symbol for language selection (IEC 60417-6415). It recommends against using country flags to represent languages to avoid confusion where multiple languages exist within a country or are used across several countries.

• Non-Graphical Language Selection: Recognizing scenarios such as system boot-up or users with visual impairments, the document specifies text-based, audio-based, and tactile-based methods for language selection. Audio prompts can allow users to verbally select a language, while tactile representations, including Braille, can accommodate users with vision challenges.

• Guidance for Different Applications: The standard provides informative guidance for language selection in both web applications and standalone systems (e.g., kiosks, ATMs). It emphasizes aligning with existing protocols like HTTP and HTML for web-based solutions and suggests personalized user preferences for standalone or embedded applications.

• System Initialization Support: It highlights methods for assisting users during system setup by leveraging geographic data such as IP addresses or GPS for pre-selecting likely language preferences, enhancing the user experience with prioritized language options.

Applications

• Consumer Electronic Devices: Smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and other consumer ICT devices can integrate the standard’s language selection interfaces to support multilingual users worldwide.

• Public and Commercial Systems: Automated teller machines (ATMs), ticketing kiosks, hotel check-in terminals, and other public ICT devices benefit from improved accessibility and clarity in language selection, enhancing usability and customer satisfaction.

• Software Interfaces: Application developers can use the recommended graphical symbols and non-graphical methods to design consistent and accessible language selection menus for operating systems, software applications, and web platforms.

• Accessibility Enhancements: The non-graphical methods support users with vision impairments or other disabilities, ensuring inclusive access to technology, aligning with broader accessibility standards.

• System Setup and Localization: IT professionals configuring devices can utilize geographic and network data to streamline initial language settings, improving setup efficiency and reducing user errors.

Related Standards

• ISO/IEC 9995-1: Governs keyboard layouts for text input, relevant for text-based language selection methods.

• ISO/IEC 639 series: Codes for the representation of names of languages, utilized for language identification.

• IEC 60417: Collection of graphical symbols for equipment, including the symbol referenced for language selection.

• ISO/IEC 15897: Procedures for registration of cultural elements, supporting system locale configurations.

• ISO/IEC TR 30109: Provides insights on the worldwide availability of personalized computer environments, contributing to user preference management.

• ISO/IEC TR 15440: Discusses future keyboards and input methods, influencing non-graphical selection mechanisms.

• ISO/IEC TR 30112: Covers specification methods for cultural conventions, aiding in localization and interface design.

By adopting ISO/IEC 23836:2020, ICT device manufacturers and software developers can ensure standardized, user-friendly, and accessible interfaces for human language selection, facilitating global usability and compliance with international best practices.