Usability in India

Abstract

Historically, a large portion of the Indian information technology industry relied on the business of offshore development of software for clients in the developed world. The HCI practices in these companies are still maturing though there has been significant awareness in the last 10 years. The education and research in HCI has been around a bit longer, but it has not been widespread until recently. Meanwhile, India has seen tremendous economic growth in the last two decades. A significant portion of this growth is powered by economic liberalisation, the growing middle class, and the increasing penetration of information and communication technologies. As the infrastructure and the business climate improve, India seems to be a market waiting for breakthrough products and services that are customised for its socio-cultural diversity. HCI professionals would play an important role in making these possibilities come true.