You are invited to attend the Seventh Annual International Workshop on Internationalisation of Products and Systems (IWIPS 2005), to be held 7 -9 July 2005 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. This forum promotes an enhanced awareness of globalisation and localisation issues. This year the conference theme is Bridging Cultural Differences. This theme signals attention to the important role that technology can play in transcending cultural boundaries. The emphasis of the conference is on practical issues and solutions, as well as on knowledge sharing about leading edge research.

What Is IWIPS?

IWIPS is an interdisciplinary forum of professionals from industry, academia and government working to internationalise products and systems. It is unique in that it appeals to a variety of delegates working in various areas of internationalisation, supporting the effective transfer of information and technology. IWIPS is organized by a not-for-profit corporation, Product & Systems Internationalisation, Inc. (P & SI), based in the United States (EIN 38-3653207).

What Shall I Get Out of IWIPS?

IWIPS is a highly interactive forum, including presented papers (research and case study), breakout sessions and invited keynote speakers. However, it also provides delegates with the opportunity to develop their skills further by attending internationalisation and localisation tutorials presented by leaders from industry and academia. The size of the workshop (approximately 150 delegates) and its format facilitate networking with colleagues from around the world, including the exchange of stimulating ideas and practical tips.

Is IWIPS Truly International?

Yes. Costs to delegates are kept as low as possible, to ensure that those from overseas or without substantial institutional or corporate support can attend. Since its beginning in 1999, IWIPS has attracted delegates from more than 29 countries and six continents.

Why Is IWIPS Relevant?

An understanding of the wide variety of internationalisation issues addressed at IWIPS is directly relevant to success in designing, developing, manufacturing and marketing commercial products and systems overseas. In the future, abstracts from presentations at past IWIPS workshops will be available on the P & SI website (http://www.iwips.org/).

What Is the Conference Structure?

• Paper presentations and case studies

• Invited talks from international experts and key authors

• Breakout discussion sessions

• A panel discussion

• Networking opportunities during breaks and social events

• What Are the Key Topics At This Year's IWIPS?
  • The influence of culture on user requirements and behaviour
  • Networked communities: Culture and Computer Mediated Communication
  • Addressing the cultural divide: Can technology overcome cultural boundaries?
  • The effects of technology on culture and deculturalisation
  • Mobile devices: Issues concerning international and local use
  • Adaptive interfaces: Adapting for culture
  • Methodologies and best practices in international product development beyond translation
  • Cross-cultural user research: Findings and innovative methods
  • Theory, methods, and assessment techniques for international product and system evaluation.
  
  

What Are the Past, Present and Future of IWIPS?

In years past, IWIPS has been held in New York State, Maryland, the UK, Texas, Berlin and Vancouver. This year, the conference convenes in Amsterdam. In 2006 the Conference will be held in Chiba, Japan.

Where Can I Find Additional Information about IWIPS?

Additional details about IWIPS may be found http://www.iwips.org/

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