Localizing Medical Device Content for Global Markets
Industry: Medical
Services: Mobile App Translation
Company region: Worldwide
Background
A top 5 medical device company specializing in diabetes care undertook a rebranding and relaunch initiative, expanding the globalization of its mobile app content and client-facing documents. This involved adapting the app and associated materials for users in 18 different languages, presenting challenges in localization, regulatory compliance, and timely delivery.
Issues
The company faced several key challenges in localizing its medical device content:
- Global Deployment: The mobile app needed to be localized for 18 languages to support a global user base.
- UI Localization and Regulatory Approvals: The user interface (UI) localization had to comply with stringent screen review requirements for regulatory approvals in different regions.
- Multi-Platform Complexity: Localization was required across Android, iOS, and Apple platforms, each with unique technical specifications.
- Integrated Documentation: User guides and Instructions for Use (IFUs) needed to be translated and incorporate localized screenshots from the app.
Key Challenges
The company faced several key challenges in localizing its medical device content:
- Global Deployment: The mobile app needed to be localized for 18 languages to support a global user base.
- UI Localization and Regulatory Approvals: The user interface (UI) localization had to comply with stringent screen review requirements for regulatory approvals in different regions.
- Multi-Platform Complexity: Localization was required across Android, iOS, and Apple platforms, each with unique technical specifications.
- Integrated Documentation: User guides and Instructions for Use (IFUs) needed to be translated and incorporate localized screenshots from the app.
Solution
To address these challenges, a comprehensive localization strategy was implemented:
- Scoping and Scheduling: A detailed scoping call determined all assets requiring localization and established a time schedule aligned with the client’s regulatory approval submission timeline.
- UI Evaluation and Optimization: The UI export was carefully evaluated to ensure localized text could be successfully imported back into each platform, considering character limitations, tags, and language requirements.
- Cost and Time Savings: Solutions were implemented to reduce costs and turnaround time associated with screen review after UI translation.
- In-Country Review Incorporation: Feedback from in-country reviewers was incorporated into the UI and imported back into the app for another round of screen review before documentation localization began.
Results
The localization project achieved significant outcomes:
- Successful Mobile App Localization: Over 200 mobile app screens were localized across 3 platforms, obtaining regulatory approvals on time.
- Consistent Documentation: Localized screenshots were integrated into user documentation and supporting materials, ensuring consistency between the app and printed materials.
- Reduced Screen Review Cycle: The new solutions shortened the screen shot review cycle by 5 weeks.
- On-Time Launch: The client successfully launched its rebranded mobile app within the required timeframe.
Conclusion
The successful localization of the medical device mobile app and associated materials demonstrates effective collaboration and meticulous attention to detail. By addressing the challenges of global deployment, regulatory compliance, multi-platform complexity, and documentation integration, the project ensured a consistent and user-friendly experience for a diverse international audience. The streamlined workflow and optimized screen review process contributed to a timely launch, meeting the client’s business objectives and user needs. This initiative exemplifies the importance of a comprehensive and well-executed localization strategy in the global medical device industry.
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