Designing for Multilingual Users: Best Practices for Global UX
How to create user experiences that cater to a global audience by adopting multilingual design best practices.
As the world becomes more connected, designers are faced with the challenge of creating products that cater to an increasingly diverse and multilingual user base. Whether you are designing a website, an app, or any digital product, it is important to consider the needs of your global audience. In this article, we will discuss the best practices for designing for multilingual users and how to create a seamless experience for users, regardless of their language or cultural background.
Use clear and concise language
When designing for multilingual users, it is important to use clear and concise language that can be easily understood by non-native speakers. Avoid using complex vocabulary or idioms that may be difficult to translate or understand. Instead, use simple, straightforward language that can be easily translated and understood in different languages.
As Jakob Nielsen, the co-founder of the Nielsen Norman Group, states,
“To achieve high usability for international users, you must write for a global audience. This means using simple, direct language that avoids idioms, slang, and cultural references that may not be familiar to people outside your own country.”
Use icons and imagery to convey meaning
When designing for multilingual users, it is important to use icons and imagery to convey meaning, as they can be easily understood across different languages and cultures. For example, using a “thumbs up” icon to represent a positive action or a “trash can” icon to represent deletion can be easily understood by users, regardless of their language.
As designer and author, Luke Wroblewski, states,
“Visual design elements can transcend language barriers and help create a common visual language for users around the world.”
Avoid text embedded in images
Avoid using text embedded in images, as it can be difficult to translate and may not be visible to users who are using screen readers. Instead, use HTML text that can be easily translated and read by users in their native language.
As the co-founder and CEO of UserTesting, Darrell Benatar, states,
“Designers should avoid using text embedded in images, as this can create issues for users who rely on screen readers. Instead, use HTML text that can be easily translated and read by users in their native language.”
Provide easy access to language options
When designing for multilingual users, it is important to provide easy access to language options, so users can switch between languages easily. This can be done by using language selectors or flags to indicate the available languages.
As designer and author, Jared Spool, states,
“Make it easy for users to switch between languages, and consider using language selectors or flags to indicate the available languages.”
Consider cultural differences
When designing for multilingual users, it is important to consider cultural differences, as they can affect how users interact with your product. For example, colors and symbols can have different meanings so it is important to research and understand the cultural nuances of your target audience.
As UX designer and researcher, Whitney Quesenbery, states,
“When designing for a global audience, it is important to consider cultural differences and how they can impact the user experience. For example, in some cultures, the color red may represent danger, while in others it may represent good luck.”
Conclusion
Designing for multilingual users is essential for creating a successful global user experience. By using clear and concise language, icons and imagery, avoiding text embedded in images, providing easy access to language options, and considering cultural differences, designers can create products that cater to a diverse and multilingual user base.
As the world becomes more interconnected, designers must prioritize the needs of their global audience and create products that are inclusive and accessible to all. By adopting multilingual design best practices, designers can create user experiences that are tailored to the needs of a global audience, and ensure that their products are successful in markets around the world.
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