2006 Summary
On November 14, 2006, World Usability Day was celebrated around the globe for the 2nd year. Thousands of people attended the 218 events that took place in 40 countries with a singular focus in mind – celebrate the importance of people-centered design and every user's right to have products and services that work better for them.
In Chicago, the local chapter of the Usability Professionals’ Association (CUPA) organized the “Making Life Easy” event which highlighted the work that User Experience practitioners are doing in every aspect of life, ranging from healthcare and home appliances to communication, work, government and the world around you.
Nearly 250 attendees converged at the offices of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois in downtown Chicago. Don Norman gave the opening keynote address speaking of the past, present and future successes and challenges of the User Experience field. Speakers from Blue Cross Blue Shield, GE Healthcare Technologies and Whirlpool Corporation shared their industry specific case studies, while speakers from TandemSeven, Orbitz and Motorola presented their experiences with international design issues. The festivities closed with a presentation by Patrick Whitney and a night of continued discussions and networking over cocktails at the Hard Rock Hotel.