ISO 21801-2-2022 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 21801-2:2022 — "Cognitive accessibility — Part 2: Reporting". This international standard specifies requirements and a recommended structure for reporting the cognitive accessibility of systems (including assistive products and technologies, consumer technologies and household appliances) consistent with the guidance given in ISO 21801-1:2020.

Abstract

This document sets out the required content and structure for a cognitive accessibility report: identification of the system and context of use, statement of conformity to the recommendations in ISO 21801‑1, chosen evaluation methods and implementation details, results and any user‑participation information. It is intended to make cognitive accessibility claims transparent, reproducible and comparable.

General information

• Status: Published / Valid.
• Publication date: 10 October 2022 (ISO publication).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 11.180.01 (Aids for disabled and handicapped persons — general).
• Edition / version: Edition 1, 2022.
• Number of pages: 36 pages.

Scope

The standard specifies requirements for preparing reports that document how a system meets (or does not meet) the cognitive accessibility recommendations in ISO 21801‑1:2020. It covers the expected report structure (system name, context of use, conformity details for each recommendation), selection and implementation of evaluation methods, and reporting on user participation across a range of cognitive abilities. The scope explicitly applies to assistive products and technologies, consumer technologies and household appliances as examples of systems.

Key topics and requirements

• Required report structure: system identification, context of use, conformity statements and per‑recommendation reporting.
• Describe and justify methods and approaches used to evaluate conformity (qualitative and/or quantitative).
• Document participation of people with diverse cognitive profiles and how sampling/participation influenced findings.
• Sections mapping to ISO 21801‑1 topics: motivation & concentration; representation & understanding; action (including expression, planning and time management). Reports should cover how the system addresses these areas.
• Guidance on providing options (customization), simplifying language and structure, reducing unnecessary complexity, and protecting users from inappropriate triggers or undue time pressure.
• Expectations for clarity on limitations, residual barriers, and any trade-offs (for example accessibility vs. safety).

Typical use and users

Primary users of this standard and its reports include product and service designers, UX and accessibility specialists, manufacturers of assistive and consumer technologies, procurement officers, conformity assessors, regulatory bodies, and researchers. It is used to communicate design decisions, evaluation methods and conformance claims about cognitive accessibility both internally and to external stakeholders.

Related standards

Key related documents and standards include ISO 21801‑1:2020 (Cognitive accessibility — Part 1: General guidelines) which provides the recommendations that reporting should reference; other accessibility and usability standards commonly used alongside ISO 21801 series include ISO 9241‑171 (software accessibility guidance), ISO/IEC 24786 and ISO/IEC 29138‑1 and web/content guidance such as WCAG. National/adopted versions (for example EN/BSI adoptions) may exist.

Keywords

cognitive accessibility; reporting; accessibility report; ISO 21801; evaluation methods; user participation; motivation; representation; understanding; action; assistive technology.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 21801-2:2022 is an ISO international standard entitled "Cognitive accessibility — Part 2: Reporting" that specifies requirements for preparing reports about the cognitive accessibility of systems.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the content and structure of cognitive accessibility reports: system identification, context of use, conformity to ISO 21801‑1 recommendations, chosen evaluation methods, user participation, and specific reporting on areas such as motivation, attention, representation/understanding and action.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Designers, developers, accessibility/UX specialists, manufacturers, procurement and compliance teams, conformity assessors, regulators and researchers who need to document and communicate cognitive accessibility evaluations.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 21801‑2:2022 was published on 10 October 2022 and is published/valid as the first edition; users should check national adoption pages or ISO for any subsequent amendments or reviews.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 2 of the ISO 21801 series. Part 1 (ISO 21801‑1:2020) provides the general guidelines whose recommendations are the basis for reporting in Part 2.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Cognitive accessibility, reporting, evaluation methods, user participation, motivation, representation, understanding, action, assistive technology.