International usability evaluation SIG: issues and strategies

Applications, interfaces, and devices are increasingly customized to appeal to users with vastly different needs, desires, and values. In the past, products were built on the basis of technical proficiency, education, and age; now, product designers are embracing culture.How can human factors professionals support this work? This SIG will examine issues and strategies to be considered when evaluating product interfaces in two or more countries or cultures.A panel of practitioners will review some of the problems they faced in selecting and customizing methods for international usability design. SIG participants will then be invited to brainstorm and contribute their own "war stories" and experiences.It is expected that this SIG will generate 1) a range of case studies and 2) a reference list of people working in different countries and cultures who can help one another do international usability evaluation.