What are the key considerations for localizing a mobile app?

1 Layout and design

The layout and design of your mobile app should accommodate the different reading directions, text lengths, and screen sizes of your target languages. For example, some languages, such as Arabic and Hebrew, are read from right to left, which means you need to flip the alignment and orientation of your app elements. Some languages, such as German and Finnish, tend to have longer words than English, which means you need to adjust the font size and spacing of your app text. And some languages, such as Chinese and Japanese, use complex characters that require more clarity and contrast on the screen. You also need to consider the cultural meanings and associations of colors, icons, and images in your app design, and avoid any elements that might be offensive or confusing for your users.

3 Functionality and performance

The functionality and performance of your mobile app should match the capabilities and limitations of your target devices, networks, and platforms. For example, you need to test your app on various screen resolutions, operating systems, and browsers that are popular or compatible with your users. You also need to optimize your app for different network speeds, bandwidths, and data costs that are available or affordable for your users. And you need to comply with the local regulations, policies, and permissions that affect your app features, such as location services, push notifications, and payment methods.

4 Feedback and support

The feedback and support of your mobile app should provide the best possible user experience and customer service for your users. For example, you need to offer multiple channels and options for your users to contact you, such as email, phone, chat, or social media. You also need to respond to your users' queries, complaints, and suggestions in a timely and respectful manner, using their preferred language and tone. And you need to collect and analyze your users' feedback and data, such as ratings, reviews, and usage statistics, to identify and improve any issues or opportunities in your app localization.

5 Quality and testing

The quality and testing of your mobile app should ensure the accuracy, consistency, and usability of your app localization. For example, you need to hire professional translators, editors, and proofreaders who are native speakers and experts in your target languages and markets. You also need to use the appropriate tools and methods for your app localization, such as localization software, glossaries, and style guides. And you need to conduct thorough and frequent testing of your app localization, using both automated and manual techniques, such as localization testing, functional testing, and user testing.

Localizing a mobile app is a complex and ongoing process that requires careful planning, execution, and evaluation. By considering the key aspects of layout and design, content and context, functionality and performance, feedback and support, and quality and testing, you can create a mobile app that meets the needs and expectations of your global users.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?