Types of standards:
Quality Standards: Systems of measurement, levels of accuracy (important in developing manufacturing), particular measurements (size of paper sheets, A4 etc.), quality management (ISO9000 series)
Component interfaces: size and shape, data interchange protocols, power inputs/outputs, keyboard layouts; these define the way in which components perform their intended tasks within a system (important in telecoms and computing)
Health and safety standards: mobile phones, construction, cars, food safety etc., all have to meet strict safety standards