ISO 23456-1-2021 PDF

Full title and description

St ISO 23456-1-2021 — Dynamic signs in physical environments — Part 1: General requirements. This international standard sets ergonomic and performance requirements for dynamic (adaptive) visual signs used in public and shared physical environments to ensure visibility, visual-image safety and accessibility of changing on‑sign content.

Abstract

The document provides general ergonomics requirements for dynamic signs that change their presentation in response to environmental conditions (for example ambient illumination or crowding). It addresses visibility (including conspicuity, distinctiveness, legibility and comprehensibility), visual image safety and accessibility, and gives requirements and recommendations for these areas; it explicitly excludes static signs and does not include requirements for safety signs used to mark escape routes.

General information

• Status: Published / Current.
• Publication date: 14 September 2021 (ISO release September 2021; ISO news announcement 28 September 2021).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 01.080.10 (Public information symbols, signs, labels).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2021).
• Number of pages: 11 pages.

Scope

The standard applies to dynamic (responsive) visual signage in physical environments where content, appearance or behaviour of a sign can change depending on context — for example variable-message traffic signs, adaptable wayfinding or information displays in transport hubs and public buildings. It specifies ergonomic requirements to ensure that changing messages remain sufficiently conspicuous, distinct, legible and comprehensible; that visual-image safety considerations (e.g., avoidance of distracting or harmful visual effects) are respected; and that accessibility for people with disabilities is considered. The standard does not cover static signs and does not define requirements for emergency escape-route safety signs.

Key topics and requirements

• Visibility and conspicuity: requirements to ensure that dynamic content attracts attention appropriately in varying ambient conditions.
• Distinctiveness: guidance to avoid confusion between different sign states or between sign content and surrounding visual clutter.
• Legibility and comprehensibility: specifications for character size, contrast, spacing, display duration and information density so messages can be read and understood by intended audiences.
• Visual-image safety: controls and recommendations to prevent hazardous visual effects (e.g., excessive flicker, rapid animations or contrast changes that could cause discomfort or seizures).
• Accessibility: requirements and recommendations to make dynamic signs usable by people with sensory or cognitive impairments (contrast, font choice, display timing, alternative channels where appropriate).
• Environmental adaptation: criteria for how signs should adapt to ambient illumination, viewing distance, viewing angle, and crowding/occlusion conditions.
• Exclusions and notes: excludes static signage and escape-route safety signs; cross-references related guidance such as ISO 30061 on emergency lighting.

Typical use and users

Primary users include signage and display manufacturers, system integrators, content designers and authors for dynamic displays, transport and infrastructure authorities, building designers and facility managers, human factors and accessibility professionals, and procurement/specification teams who need to ensure that deployed dynamic signage meets ergonomic, safety and accessibility expectations.

Related standards

ISO 23456-1 references or complements other standards concerned with lighting, symbols and ergonomics — notably ISO 30061 (emergency lighting) and a range of graphical‑symbol and safety signage standards (for example ISO 7001 / ISO 7010 and ISO 3864) as well as ergonomics guidance such as parts of ISO 9241. These related documents cover emergency illumination, symbol design and safety colours which are relevant when dynamic signs are used in public or safety‑critical contexts.

Keywords

dynamic signs, adaptive signage, variable-message signs, visibility, legibility, conspicuity, visual-image safety, accessibility, ergonomics, wayfinding, signage design

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 23456-1:2021 is an international standard that defines general ergonomic requirements for dynamic (changing) visual signs used in physical environments to ensure they remain visible, safe and accessible.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers requirements and recommendations for visibility (conspicuity, distinctiveness, legibility, comprehensibility), visual-image safety and accessibility of dynamic signage, and guidance on adapting sign presentation to environmental conditions; it excludes static signs and escape-route safety signs.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers of displays and signage systems, content designers, transport and facility authorities, human factors and accessibility professionals, and specification/procurement teams use the standard to design and procure effective, safe and accessible dynamic signage.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As published in 2021 it is the first edition (Edition 1, 2021) and is listed as published/current. Users should check national or ISO catalogs for any amendments or newer parts of the series before applying the standard.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: The document is identified as Part 1 (general requirements), which implies additional parts may be developed for measurement methods, test procedures or application‑specific guidance; users should monitor ISO/TC 159/SC 5 work for related parts and future updates.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Dynamic/variable signs, visibility, legibility, conspicuity, visual-image safety, accessibility, ergonomics, wayfinding, adaptive displays.