This part of ISO 9241 provides requirements and recommendations for the design and evaluation of forms — in which the user fills-in, selects entries for, or modifies labelled fields on, a “form” or dialogue box presented by the system. Often the system then creates or updates the data associated with the form. Form-based entries typically are in the form of typed input (abbreviations, or full names) or selections from available option lists.

This part of ISO 9241 is applicable to forms regardless of the modality in which they are rendered (visual, spatial, vocal). However, much of the guidance is based on a model of visual and spatial relationship.

In addition, this part of ISO 9241 specifies the use of non-text methods for providing forms entries (e.g. list boxes) and pertains to dialogue boxes which utilize form techniques. Guidance is provided on the selection and design of those user-interface elements relevant to forms.

While lists used to enter forms data are covered in this part of ISO 9241, menus which are similar to lists are outside its scope but are covered in ISO 9241‑14. Neither is this part of ISO 9241 applicable to the hardware aspects of forms.

The requirements and recommendations in this part of ISO 9241 are applicable throughout the development process — for example, as guidance for designers during design, as a basis for heuristic evaluation, as guidance for usability testing — and in the procurement process.