Multi-lingual transactional Web sites
My apologies if this post seems off-topic, but I have a question which falls
into the category of 'user experience' and so here I am...
We are in the process of evaluating a large e-business site for a global
business. Parts of the site are available in languages other than English,
but none of the site's primary transactional functions have been translated:
these are only available in English.
The nature of the service/product being sold is complex. It requires a great
deal of knowledge about the service/product being purchased in order to
complete a transaction. Further, each transaction forms part of an on-going
activity - an 8-part process. Lastly, more than half of the customers come
from non-English speaking nations, although generally the local population
would be expected to have some grasp of English.
The client has asked for an opinion on the need to provide the site in
non-English languages: not just our opinion, but any general perspectives on
the matter.
I'd appreciate any insights you may have to offer - case studies, disaster
stories, successes etc.
Please feel free to send replies off-list.
Many thanks
Steve Baty
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Steve 'Doc' Baty B.Sc (Maths), M.EC, MBA
Director, User Experience Strategy
Red Square
P: +612 8289 4930
M: +61 417 061 292
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Steve,
A good introductory book on website globalization:
beyond borders, web globalization strategies
John Yunker
http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Borders-Web-Globalization-Strategies/dp/0735712085/
The book walks you through progressively more complex localization efforts.
It's not an expert-level book but rather touches on most of the language,
culture, and general technical issues you might face in a localization
project. This info may be useful if you need to weigh alternate bid
strategies.
A few things I've learned along the way:
- Plan to double or triple or more the time required for typical development
work.
- Vendors exist who are very good at localization projects. They are not
inexpensive.
- Plan for many back-and-forths with your localization vendor, staff
overseas, etc. You will be very busy with communication and coordination
while the project is going on.
- The native-speakers in the overseas branch or partner office are already
working 50 hours a week and don't really want to do your proofreading.
- The job may cost less if you're willing for it to take longer.
Hope this is helpful. Good luck with your project,
Michael Micheletti
On 5/2/07, Doc <stevebaty at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> I'd appreciate any insights you may have to offer - case studies, disaster
> stories, successes etc.
>
>