Computer programs, software, and applications must be adjusted to the regional peculiarities and the world’s different languages. Therefore, computing involves localization and internationalization through which computer software can be adapted for use in other regions, languages, and distinct technical specifications.
More About Software Localization
Localization involves adapting software to the linguistic and cultural requirements of the end users. It is much beyond translating the language and the text from one to another. It includes localization of the graphics, videos, measurement standards, and other elements and aspects of the software. It has changed the user interface and design and made the software look more natural and region-friendly to the targeted user. The markets are globalized nowadays.
Localization is critical to businesses that want to operate in various parts of the world and wish to cater their products and services to people from different regions and parts of the globe. Localization helps businesses serve their customers in their native language, and the intuitive designs also match the cultural specifications and aspirations of the users. That is why software localization services have become in demand.
The Importance of Software Localization
Modern technologies, including the internet and 5G and 4G communication, help us communicate across the world fast. These technologies are also helpful for businesses, software developers, and end users. Software developers and a leading localization service can now localize an application and software for potentially all the world markets.
A program or application is built for target customers only initially. After some time, it has become more advanced in its features, specifications, design, and other aspects. The localization process can ensure that software can make the same delightful impact on users in other parts of the world as it does in the domestic/home country. If a software application or a program is not localized, it may make an adverse impact on brand sales and reputation and may also deteriorate the loyalty of the brand. Businesses can now get a critical edge as they enter new markets with the help of software localization. The software can be readily accepted by users and customers in a new market when it has the same cultural elements, usability, design, and other features that they are used to.
Elements of Effective Software Localization
As stated, software localization is not limited to text and language translation. It also includes working on assorted designs, features, and other elements of software localization. These elements may consist of political/cultural sensitivities, measurement units, currency, symbols, text, speech, and other elements.
Language and Text Localization
Software localization ensures that software has the correct language for a region. For instance, it will provide a standard orientation for Arabic and Hebrew, among other languages that may be written from right to left. Localization will also ensure that different languages and text elements (including the dialogue boxes, menu, and action buttons, among others) have localized strings. The software professionals will have to work hard to determine how the language and the application will look on the user’s screen and how the users will interact with the content. Extensive research and efforts in the right direction can ensure proper language optimization.
UX or User Experience
The customized organization of the information on the application is also essential for its success. Users from distinct parts of the world may interact differently with the software. For instance, users in the US prefer the streamlining of content that is also sparse. However, such a design will not be helpful in Japan, where the users prefer more info and navigation (hyperlinks or sidebars). User experience may also impact the success of software and the conversion rates. It would be best if you worked on the localization of the user experience to be popular in a particular market.
Apart from the desktop software versions, localization is also carried out for mobiles. Localization may involve specific surveys and studies to find out more about the region’s preferences of the target audience. The designers will have to work on aspects including information, text, the layout of the action buttons, a grouping of information, and others to deliver to the users what they want.
Graphics
You can also adapt to the many different “non-language” elements of a region and its users through an appropriate graphic design. During the localization process, professionals may examine the other pictures and symbols of the existing software and modify them to make sense to the users of another region. Such modification will also ensure that the software does not appear offensive to the users or adversely impact their sensitivities.
Different graphic designs and symbols may have different meanings for users from various nations. For instance, a red flag on emails in the US may mean something different from emails in other regions. Other symbols may seem to be offensive. For example, a company uses red flags to reveal to the users that it is a new email and message. Choosing the appropriate images for localization is also essential as it should adhere to the cultural aspects and not violate the users’ sentiments in the region.
When to Localize Your Software
Not all companies need to localize their software. However, it can be instrumental and rewarding in the cases given below.
- The software is specific to a region. Remember that software localization can also help cater to users and audiences from minorities within the same area.
- The software is still in the initial development stage. You can avoid huge expenditures and costs that may occur later if you add the localization elements to the software at its very initial stages of development.
- You want to add more users to your user base and grow exponentially. Localization can bring you the power and magic of network effects.
Conclusion
Localization can bring many benefits when you want to reach out to a substantial number of audiences in different parts of the world and be a more reputable business that operates beyond its borders. You can also reach out to a leading localization service to learn more about the cost of software localization outsourcing and estimate the returns on investment you might accumulate.