There is a long history of usability testing, in practice if not in name, in Japan. Professional organizations for usability, outside of the academic context, are just taking off.
New Zealand, traditionally an early adopter of technology, is seen as a great “test location” by many companies. Awareness of the business benefits of usability is growing.
World Usability Day 2005 was a smashing success. Events around the world reached out to new audiences about the importance of improving the user experience.