ISO 25010 Quality Model
last modified April 4, 2025
Definition of ISO 25010
ISO 25010 is an international standard that defines a comprehensive quality model for software product evaluation. It provides a structured framework for assessing software quality through measurable characteristics and sub- characteristics. The standard replaces ISO 9126 and is part of the SQuaRE (Software product Quality Requirements and Evaluation) series. ISO 25010 categorizes quality attributes into two main groups: product quality and quality in use. This distinction helps organizations evaluate both the intrinsic properties of software and its effectiveness in real-world scenarios.
The standard serves as a common language for developers, testers, and stakeholders to discuss and measure software quality systematically. It enables objective comparisons between different software solutions and supports quality- based decision-making throughout the development lifecycle. By providing clear definitions and relationships between quality attributes, ISO 25010 helps teams prioritize requirements and validate that software meets intended quality objectives. Its comprehensive nature makes it applicable across various domains, from enterprise systems to embedded software.
Broader Context of ISO 25010
ISO 25010 exists within a broader ecosystem of software quality standards and practices. It complements other ISO standards like ISO 25000 (SQuaRE series) which covers quality requirements, measurement, and evaluation processes. The model aligns with modern software engineering methodologies including Agile, DevOps, and continuous delivery by providing measurable quality indicators. In industry contexts, it supports compliance with regulations that mandate specific quality attributes such as security in healthcare (HIPAA) or reliability in aviation (DO-178C).
The standard's importance has grown with increasing software complexity and user expectations. It provides a framework for balancing competing quality demands like performance versus security or functionality versus maintainability. Many organizations use ISO 25010 as the foundation for their quality assurance programs, tailoring it to their specific needs while maintaining alignment with international best practices. Its systematic approach helps bridge the gap between technical implementation and business value by translating abstract quality concepts into measurable outcomes.
Characteristics of ISO 25010 Quality Model
- Two-dimensional structure - Evaluates both product quality (intrinsic attributes) and quality in use (user perspective).
- Hierarchical organization - Breaks down quality into 8 main characteristics and 31 sub-characteristics for precise evaluation.
- Standardized metrics - Provides measurable indicators for each quality attribute, enabling objective assessment.
- Comprehensive coverage - Addresses functional and non- functional requirements across the entire software lifecycle.
- Flexible application - Adaptable to various software types, from commercial products to custom enterprise solutions.
- Interrelated attributes - Recognizes dependencies between different quality characteristics for balanced evaluation.
Product Quality Characteristics
The product quality dimension of ISO 25010 focuses on the software's intrinsic properties, independent of its usage context. These characteristics represent the technical and structural aspects that developers can directly influence during design and implementation. The model identifies eight key product quality characteristics, each with specific sub-characteristics that provide detailed evaluation criteria. This structured approach enables teams to assess software quality systematically and identify areas for improvement.
Understanding these characteristics helps organizations make informed decisions about trade-offs during development. For instance, investing in modularity (under maintainability) might initially slow development but yield long-term benefits. Similarly, rigorous security measures might impact performance, requiring careful balancing. Below is a detailed breakdown of the product quality characteristics and their sub-characteristics as defined in ISO 25010.
| Characteristic | Sub-characteristics | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Functional Suitability | Functional completeness, correctness, appropriateness | Measures how well the software provides required functions and accurate results. |
| Performance Efficiency | Time behavior, resource utilization, capacity | Evaluates response times, throughput, and resource consumption under specified conditions. |
| Compatibility | Co-existence, interoperability | Assesses how well the system works with other systems and shares information. |
| Usability | Appropriateness recognizability, learnability, operability, user error protection, UI aesthetics, accessibility | Focuses on user experience aspects including ease of learning and operation. |
| Reliability | Maturity, availability, fault tolerance, recoverability | Measures the system's ability to maintain specified performance levels under various conditions. |
| Security | Confidentiality, integrity, non-repudiation, accountability, authenticity | Evaluates protection against unauthorized access and data breaches. |
| Maintainability | Modularity, reusability, analyzability, modifiability, testability | Assesses how easily the software can be modified to correct or improve it. |
| Portability | Adaptability, installability, replaceability | Measures how easily the software can be transferred between different environments. |
Quality in Use Characteristics
The quality in use dimension evaluates software effectiveness from the end-user perspective in specific contexts of use. Unlike product quality characteristics that focus on the software itself, these attributes measure how well the software helps users achieve their goals in real-world scenarios. This perspective is particularly valuable for assessing business impact and user satisfaction, bridging the gap between technical implementation and practical value.
Quality in use characteristics become especially important in competitive markets where user experience differentiates products. They also help organizations justify software investments by demonstrating tangible benefits to stakeholders. The following table outlines the five quality in use characteristics defined in ISO 25010, along with their significance in software evaluation.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Measures how accurately and completely users achieve specified goals using the software. |
| Efficiency | Evaluates resources expended in relation to the accuracy and completeness of goals achieved. |
| Satisfaction | Assesses user comfort and positive attitudes towards using the software. |
| Freedom from risk | Measures reduction in risks to people, business, software, or other systems. |
| Context coverage | Evaluates how well the software meets needs across specified contexts of use. |
Practical Applications of ISO 25010
Implementing ISO 25010 provides numerous benefits throughout the software development lifecycle. During requirements analysis, it serves as a checklist to ensure all relevant quality aspects are considered. Teams can use the model to create weighted quality criteria for vendor selection or product evaluation. In development, it guides architectural decisions by highlighting trade-offs between different quality attributes. For testing, it provides a framework for designing comprehensive test cases that cover all quality dimensions.
The standard also supports continuous improvement by establishing measurable quality baselines and tracking progress over time. Many organizations integrate ISO 25010 characteristics into their Definition of Done to ensure quality is baked into deliverables. In maintenance phases, the model helps prioritize enhancements by quantifying their impact on various quality attributes. When used consistently, it fosters a quality-focused culture where technical decisions align with business objectives and user needs.
Implementation Best Practices
- Tailor the model to your context - Prioritize characteristics most relevant to your domain and user needs.
- Establish measurable indicators - Define quantitative metrics for each selected characteristic to enable objective assessment.
- Balance competing attributes - Recognize trade-offs (e.g., security vs performance) and make conscious decisions.
- Integrate with development processes - Incorporate quality evaluation into all lifecycle phases, not just final testing.
- Train teams on the standard - Ensure all stakeholders understand the quality model and its terminology.
- Review and adapt regularly - Update quality priorities as business needs, technologies, and user expectations evolve.
Source
This comprehensive guide to ISO 25010 has explored its definition, context, characteristics, and practical applications. By implementing this quality model, organizations can systematically evaluate and improve their software products to meet both technical and business objectives effectively.
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