Others start with training. Perhaps more commonly others begin on the UCD path by trying to deal with a problem or disappointing results with a particular product. Perhaps the customer has refused to accept a customized product because of usability concerns, or sales of a commercial release have been lagging. Sometimes, there are disputes about the UI within the development team as a new product approaches release. Whatever the cause, the UI is implicated.
Concern grows over time, and at some point, becomes urgent.
Something must be done. This is the point at which many companies call in a consultant to look at the system. They may ask for an expert or heuristic review. Or, they may do their first usability evaluation. It is almost inevitable that this first experience with usability evaluation happens too late in the development process to actually have much influence on design.