d10

Internationalized and localized content at a glance

Site Genre: Pattern Group d

magnify imageFigureD10.1 Web sites need to be internationalized and localized for a worldwide audience. These screen shots compare Yahoo!’s U.S. Web site (background) to its Taiwan Web site (foreground).

Background

All site genres can be created for an international audience. This pattern provides the foundation for building sites that are localized to different audiences around the world.

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PROBLEM

The Web is a global medium, but many sites do nothing for international and nonnative audiences. People from all over the world can visit a site, but they will find the experience frustrating if language, cultural, and economic transactional issues are not handled well.

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SOLUTION

magnify image FigureD10.2 Store strings for different languages in separate files.

Store strings separately from code so that text can be sent to your translation team easily. Do not rely on machine translation. Hire competent translators. Manage internationalization and localization processes through either a centralized or a decentralized system. Understand that certain local terms and concepts may not be widely known, and that holidays, customs, and nonverbal communication in other cultures can affect a site’s design and staffing. Transform how you represent certain information, such as dates and currencies. Be aware of the devices that people use to surf Web sites because mobile customers may be a large audience for your services. Understand which legal issues might affect your business. Consider providing tailored services to locales that do not have the same practices as those you‘re addressing domestically.

Other Patterns to Consider

Local representations of dates, times, currencies, taxes, addresses, and shipping requirements should be reflected in the site‘s SHOPPING CART (F3) and QUICK-FLOW CHECKOUT (F1). Certain countries may have stricter privacy laws, which should be reflected in the site‘s FAIR INFORMATION PRACTICES (E3) and PRIVACY POLICY (E4).

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Pattern Resources

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