Software Localization Impacts The User Experience
Life sciences software localization requires much more than simply checking off a list of requirements in a regulatory box. As the title suggests, this specialized type of localization ensures that your device’s user interface is accurately localized for each intended market.
The success of your medical device is intricately connected to the user experience. In other words, how well the intended users of your medical device (whether that be patients or medical personnel) understand the device’s interface will have a direct impact on their overall experience. If done responsibly, software UI localization will lead to a positive user experience, and therefore, will increase the likelihood of your device’s success on the market.
Software Localization is Critical to Success
Simply put, your medical device’s user interface is the connection between the device and your users. It is the means by which the device and the user “communicate” so to speak. While a user interface in a broader sense refers to any physical, visual, auditory, or even tactile element of a medical device, a user interface for software is required for electronic (or digital) devices. If the software’s user interface lacks professional software localization services, your users can be left frustrated, and your device rendered unusable. So, while sometimes overlooked until the device is ready for release, software localization is a critical step in the success of your product’s entry and longevity in domestic and international markets.
“Companies are no longer just looking at how much money they’ll save through localization, but rather how much revenue they’ll miss out on if they fail to adapt their products for the markets they seek to enter.“
— Don DePalma, CSA
Place Software Localization At The Forefront
In its 2021 Language Industry Report, Slator found that buyer need for language services (primarily translation, localization, and interpreting) is on the rise. Two of the main drivers of this need include expanding into new markets and regulatory requirements. The report further found that life sciences was among one of the fastest-growing end-consumer verticals.
Data Source: Slator
Medical device manufacturers and tech companies specializing in clinical trial software development face many challenges. In addition to ensuring the appropriate functionality and mechanics of their product, they have to ensure the ease of use (and accurate use) of their software. They must also consider both domestic and international sales which require regulatory compliance at home and abroad. Tied closely to these regulations is the need to meet both safety and ethical standards in the markets in which they intend to place their products. Software UI localization has therefore become a priority in the life sciences industry.
Placing localization at the forefront actually assists you in meeting these requirements and overcoming your challenges. By investing in software UI localization, you’ll be in a much better position to streamline the regulatory processes and get your medical device to market more quickly. Software UI localization helps to ensure the ease of use — as well as the appropriate and safe use — of your medical device by the intended user. So, what exactly is involved in software UI localization? We’re glad you asked!
Understanding Software Localization
Simply put, software UI localization involves specialized adaption of your software so that it resonates with the intended user. This means addressing the software’s content and functionality. In addition to localizing the content, you must also consider your software’s design elements, usability, and conventions. This might include localizing the use of media (video and graphic design), visual and functional elements, standards of measurement and more. If not localized, not only might your software fail in diverse markets, but your brand and reputation could also be damaged. By prioritizing localization early on in the process, you will enhance the user experience and strengthen your chances of success.
Partner with an LSP With Expertise in Software Localization
In addition to collaborating with software developers and engineers, medical device and tech companies should partner with a language services provider (LSP) well-versed in software UI localization. These specialized LSPs offer teams of professional in-country linguists with life sciences subject matter expertise (SME). This team of localization professionals will work closely with your engineers and developers early on in the process to help mitigate any potential issues with the functionality of your software. From character, limits to field size limitations, cultural context, and more, these LSPs increase the likelihood of a positive user experience, regardless of the language an end-user speaks or their country of residence.
Turn to Ingenuiti for Measubaly Better®Localization
Ingenuiti offers years of experience supporting our clients in the life sciences industry. With our team of in-country linguists specializing in life sciences, Ingenuiti delivers high-quality localization solutions throughout the United States and worldwide. We utilize proven and trusted localization processes to address linguistic and cultural characteristics and help ensure your software resonates with your intended users.
Ingenuiti’s world-class team will localize and test all of your user interface displays. Below are just some of the areas involved in the localization and testing process:
- Text and cultural context
- Currency symbols
- Standards of measurement
- Writing conventions and writing systems
- Graphic design and layout
- Design elements
- Post-translation text readability
- Product functionality review
- System performance tests (in multiple languages)
- Technical standards (and overall “ease of use”) tests
Not only are all of our linguist’s native speakers of their target language but the vast majority of our localization team resides in their native-language country.
| In addition to being ISO-13485 and 9001 certified, we are also in full compliance with ISO 17100:2015. *Cedar Rapids Site Specific. ✓ Translation competence ✓ Linguistic and textual competence in source and target languages ✓ Competence in research, information acquisition, and processing ✓ Cultural competence ✓ Technical competence ✓ Domain competence |
Ensure Your Software Localization Is Done Right The First Time
Software UI localization enhances the end user’s experience when interacting with your medical device. When done right, end-users should feel as though the device was developed and manufactured with their unique needs in mind. With Ingenuiti’s high-quality localization solutions, we’ll help you resonate with your intended audience and help you achieve success in domestic and international markets. At Ingenuiti, we make sure your software UI localization is done right the first time. Partner with Ingenuiti for all of your localization needs and together, let’s enhance the user experience.
Reach out today to get started.
REFERENCES
“Research Study Finds Compelling Evidence Linking the Financial Health of Global Companies with Website Multilingualism.” CSA Research.
Press Releases ·by Slator On May 19, et al. “Translation and Localization Industry Set to Grow by up to 10% to USD 26.2bn in 2021.” Slator, 19 May 2021.
