ISO 24500-2010 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 24500:2010 — Ergonomics — Accessible design — Auditory signals for consumer products. This International Standard provides guidance on the design and use of simple fixed‑frequency auditory signals (commonly “beep” sounds) used as feedback or status indicators on consumer products, with attention to accessibility for users with or without visual or auditory impairment.

Abstract

ISO 24500:2010 specifies the characteristics and intended application of auditory signals used as feedback for operations or conditions of consumer products. It applies to fixed‑frequency non‑melodic signals and excludes variable‑frequency/melodic sounds, fire/gas/crime‑prevention alarms, electronic chimes, voice guides and auditory danger signals for public/work areas. It also does not prescribe sound pressure levels (see ISO 24501 for sound level guidance).

General information

• Status: Published — confirmed (last systematic review confirmed in 2022; this edition remains current).
• Publication date: 2010 (published 22 September 2010; edition dated October 2010).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 13.180 (Ergonomics); 11.180.15 (Aids for hearing‑impaired persons).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2010).
• Number of pages: 7.

Scope

ISO 24500 is intended for consumer products where simple fixed‑frequency auditory signals are used to convey operational feedback or status information to users, including users with visual or auditory impairment. The standard is limited to non‑melodic fixed‑frequency signals and explicitly excludes specialised alarm signals (e.g., fire, gas, crime‑prevention), voice guidance systems, and workplace/public danger signals covered by other standards. It is not intended for professional machines or to set sound pressure level limits (see ISO 24501 for level determination).

Key topics and requirements

• Design guidance for fixed‑frequency (beep) auditory signals used on consumer products.
• Accessibility considerations—to ensure signals are perceivable by users including those with visual impairments and some hearing impairments.
• Exclusions: variable‑frequency/melodic sounds, voice guides, electronic chimes, and statutory alarm signals (fire/gas/crime).
• Recommendation to use ISO 24501 when determining appropriate sound pressure levels for auditory signals.
• Alignment with ergonomics and accessible‑design principles for consumer‑grade products (household and personal electronics).

Typical use and users

Primary users include product designers and engineers (consumer electronics, household appliances), ergonomists and accessibility specialists, conformity assessors and test laboratories, and regulatory or standards adoption bodies that implement accessible‑design requirements for consumer products. The standard guides designers on audible feedback features intended for general consumer use rather than professional machinery.

Related standards

ISO 24500 sits within a family of ISO documents on accessible design for consumer products. Notable related standards include ISO 24501 (sound pressure levels of auditory signals for consumer products), ISO 24550 (indicator lights on consumer products), ISO 24551 (spoken instructions of consumer products), and ISO 24552 (accessibility of information on small visual displays). ISO 24500 also references standards covering danger and alarm signals in public/work areas such as ISO 7731, ISO 8201 and ISO 11429.

Keywords

Auditory signals, beep sounds, accessible design, ergonomics, consumer products, accessibility, sound feedback, ISO 24500.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 24500:2010 is an international standard that provides guidance on the design and use of simple fixed‑frequency auditory signals (non‑melodic “beeps”) on consumer products to support accessibility and user feedback.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers characteristics and application guidance for fixed‑frequency auditory feedback used on consumer products, accessibility considerations for users with visual or auditory impairments, and lists exclusions such as fire/gas alarms, melodic/variable signals and voice guides. It does not set sound pressure levels—ISO 24501 addresses levels.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Product designers, accessibility and ergonomics specialists, manufacturers of consumer electronics and appliances, test laboratories, and standards bodies use ISO 24500 to design and evaluate simple audible feedback on consumer products.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As of the last systematic review recorded by ISO, ISO 24500:2010 was reviewed and confirmed in 2022 and therefore remains the current edition. National adoptions (EN/ISO or national transpositions) may have their own status notes; check the issuing national body for local endorsement details.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 24500 is part of a group of ISO standards on accessible design for consumer products (examples: ISO 24501 on sound pressure levels, ISO 24550 on indicator lights, ISO 24551 on spoken instructions, ISO 24552 on small visual displays). These related documents provide complementary guidance for other sensory modalities and signal characteristics.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Auditory signals; beep; accessible design; ergonomics; consumer products; sound feedback; ISO 24500.