Your Quick Guide to Localization Testing: Smart Tactics for Professionals
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For every dollar you invest in localization, you gain $25… in ROI
Want to impress users across borders with a brand-new and localized website? Then this blog is for you. We share a few tried and tested localization testing tactics for professionals. So, grab a coffee and make yourself comfortable because we have a lot to unravel.
What is localization testing, exactly?
Judging by the presence of the word “testing”, you are safe to assume that localization testing is the final stage of the whole localization process whereby localization engineers, testers, programmers, and translators ensure that your product or UI/UX meets the cultural, linguistic, and usability expectations of a specific country or region.
1. Does the UI/UX resemble the original product?
2. Are all UI elements correctly translated?
3. Does your product design fit any screen size and device?
4. Are the font family and sizes consistent across all language versions?
5. Are the dates, numbers, measurement units, etc., adapted to the new locale(s)?
6. Is your mobile app or website compatible with the software and hardware used in the target region?
7. Have user guides, instructions, tutorials, placeholders and internal links been translated into the target language?
8. Is the content error-free?
9. Does your product meet the local compliance norms?
Localization testing workflow
To ensure everything is pitch-perfect, localizers need to create test cases, report issues, fix bugs, and retest the product several times along the way. Let’s see what’s involved.
Design testing
Typically, this is done at the front end, involving mainly visual elements, dialogue boxes, toolbar, menus, and dynamic content (pop-ups).
Now that you know what elements to look at and test, let’s take a step further and see exactly how it’s done.
Testing the right way
Design testing is the first and easiest part of localization testing as it mainly involves the expertise of designers and developers, with minimal or no involvement from the part of the localization manager.
Development testing
Things can get a little hairy if you don’t use checklists like the one below. So, let’s dig in!
Testing the right way
Because we haven’t left the design and development phase of the localization testing process, no PM involvement is required.
Delivery testing
It is at delivery testing that any mistranslations are identified and corrected. Here are your testing tips.
Testing the right way
This step may require more time and more pairs of eyes than the previous ones as it’s the most complex. You may need all hands on deck for this one to ensure everything is just right.
Nail localization testing
Because testing your content localization before the product is designed and developed may prevent you from seeing how well they work together or not. Identifying any errors in translation would hinder project delivery, leading to significant delays, with the content sent back to translation, revision and re-testing. Save yourself all this hassle with intelligent localization testing.
Pangea Global’s intelligent localization solutions allow you to view the status of your project in real time, making it easy to identify areas that could be perfected, corrected and tested as the project advances. This enables you to simultaneously develop and test your localized product across all stages – design, development, and delivery.
Localization is a path fraught with challenges. You are not alone. Contact us if you want to increase your ROI.