Culture class vs. culture clash

The events of September 11, 2001, changed the perceptions of many people in the United States. One good result of this terrible day was people's increased awareness of and interest in other cultures, religions, and ways of thinking. In this process, user-interface development was catalyzed toward further maturity of its philosophy, principles, and techniques. We can't go back. Many people who are living outside the United States, or Americans who have traveled extensively abroad, are thankful for an increased global awareness of connectivity, conflicts, and possibilities of mutual cooperation. Much of their hope stems from understanding other cultures better and communicating with people better. User-interface developers may need to go to "culture class" in order to minimize culture clashes in their designs.