Bad localization can negatively impact user experience and brand reputation by introducing lengthy text, misspellings, inconsistencies, mistranslations, bad style, or cultural inadequacies. It is better to have no localization at all than a poor one. Localization professionals should thoroughly check translations, understand character limits and context, use spelling check tools, adhere to a brand's terminology and style, and fully understand the target culture and audience. A good localization accurately conveys a brand's unique identity and vision across languages and cultures.

1. Taking care of user
experience

2. Why does UX matter in l10n?
It’s not technology, but a good User eXperience
what make users love your product:
superb design
usability
clear calls to action
engaging language
spacebabel.com

3. Why does UX matter in l10n?
Bad l10n can ruin UX and your brand
reputation in a foreign market
 Bad ROI
It’s better to have no l10n
at all than a bad one
spacebabel.com

4. How can l10n ruin UX?
• Lengthy text
• Mispellings
• Inconsistencies
• Mistranslations
• Bad style
• Cultural inadequacy
spacebabel.com

5. These words don’t fit!
Tip: give context and
specify character limitation,
if any.
Is the text coming from a button, a
tooltip, or a message?
spacebabel.com

6. Mispellings… really?
Tip: hire only professionals if you care
about your brand image.
Do they use tools for spellchecking?
spacebabel.com

7. Where is that option?
If your tab is labeled as “My
Photos”, why your users are told
to click on “My Pictures” tab?
Tip: ask your l10n provider about their QA processes.
Hiring a l10n company?
The less time you allow for l10n, the more
translators will be working on your project
 inconsistencies
spacebabel.com

8. Bad translation, bad style...
… can ruin your marketing message or an engaging experience.
Tip: hire only l10n
professionals who
understand your
target audience.
Translating to their language is one thing, but actually
connecting with them is priceless.
spacebabel.com

9. It’s not only about their language…
…it’s also about
their culture
Tip: hire only l10n professionals who understand
your target audience.
spacebabel.com

10. A good localization…
…takes into account your brand,
your vision, what you say, what
you imply…
…what makes you unique.
This way, users don’t read some
translation… they read you.
spacebabel.com