Guide to optimizing your localization QA process

High-quality translations are a big factor in successfully taking your product global, but it could be argued that a great user experience is more important. This goes beyond converting the words–it’s about adapting your product to function flawlessly and to appeal deeply to users from diverse cultures. Making sure your consumers in new markets have a frictionless and exceptional experience requires thorough adaptation for the new target market, followed by a vigorous localization quality assurance (QA) process.

What is localization QA?

Localization QA, also sometimes called localization testing, verifies the functionality and usability of your website or software for a specific region. It is the final step before releasing a localized product and ensures that localized content is accurate and functions flawlessly for the target audience. For example, localization QA would check that information is displayed correctly, layouts are adapted for different languages, and currency and numbers render correctly.

Why does localization QA matter?

Here’s the bottom line:  A buggy app riddled with cultural faux pas won’t win anyone’s hearts or minds. Effective localization quality assurance prevents errors and fosters a positive user experience (UX), encouraging brand loyalty and driving success in international markets.

By implementing a complete localization QA process, you’ll reap these benefits:

• Reduced costs: Catching errors early saves time and resources compared to fixing them after launch.
• Faster time to market: Streamlined workflows mean quicker turnaround times, getting your product in front of new users faster.
• Improved brand reputation: A flawless user experience builds trust and loyalty in new markets.
• Increased user adoption: Users appreciate a product that functions flawlessly and speaks their language, leading to higher engagement and conversions.

When do you need localization QA?

The answer: throughout the entire localization process and on every delivery platform, be it software, mobile app, or website.

Here are some examples:

• Software: Whether it’s a complex, company-wide CRM system or a solo desktop application, localization QA testing ensures menus, error messages, and user instructions are translated accurately. It also verifies compatibility with different language character sets (e.g., Mandarin or Cantonese) and right-to-left vs. left-to-right reading patterns.
• Mobile Apps: This guarantees a smooth user experience on a platform that most of us use daily. We’re never far from our phones. Imagine a fitness app where exercise instructions are disjointed and broken in the target language—a painful way to lose users.
• Websites: What looks enticing on a mobile device may look different on a monitor or laptop. Consider how a culturally insensitive marketing message could backfire spectacularly. Or how a ‘casual’ translation could horrify a more conservative audience. Localization QA ensures your website displays flawlessly and resonates with your target audience.

The four pillars of effective localization QA

The localization quality assurance process involves distinct focus areas, which all work together to achieve a seamless final product. Let’s take a look at the four pillars of effective localization quality assurance:

Visual integrity

Localized content needs to fit perfectly within the app’s design. This testing checks for proper formatting, layout, and image placement across target languages. Text expansion or contraction shouldn’t distort UI elements. Consider a finance app where critical up-to-the-minute information gets cut off due to poor layout adjustments for the right-to-left reader—a definite usability issue.

Functionality

It’s critical to ensure that all features work flawlessly across the target languages. For example, consider a shopping cart experience that doesn’t update properly or price adjustments when something is added or deleted.

Performance

Excellent performance means the app behaves optimally regardless of language or location, for example, in terms of response time, load times, and error rates.

Linguistics

While not the focus of this article, linguistic QA (or LQA) ensures grammatically correct, culturally appropriate translations. It involves checking the spelling, grammar, punctuation, and terminology. One of the most simple examples would be a certified legal document with mistranslated clauses—an easily avoidable legal nightmare.

What does a successful localization testing process look like?

Let’s look at the keys to developing a successful localization testing strategy.

Preparation and planning:

• Clearly outline what will be tested (text, visuals, functionality) and establish benchmarks for success (accuracy, user experience).
• Create a detailed plan outlining the goals, testing process, steps involved, paths to take when problems arise, and expected outcomes.
• Identify your target market’s specific demographics and cultural nuances to guide testing efforts.
• Choose appropriate software for testing functionality and consider using native speakers for language and cultural accuracy assessments.

Testing and evaluation:

• Test for grammatical errors, typos, and mistranslations. Ensure translated content accurately reflects the original meaning and reads naturally for the target language.
• Evaluate if references, humor, or imagery resonate with the target culture. Identify and revise any elements that might be misunderstood or offensive.
• Verify that all features and functions work correctly in the localized version. This includes layout adjustments, character fitting, and compatibility with different devices.
• Have native speakers navigate the localized product to identify usability issues or awkward phrasing that could hinder user interaction.
• Document all identified issues clearly, including screenshots and specific details. Work with developers and translators to fix problems and iterate until the localized version is flawless.

Communication and collaboration:

• Clear communication throughout the process is crucial. Testers, developers, project managers, and translators need to collaborate effectively to address issues and ensure smooth progress.
• Regular feedback loops should be established to inform everyone and allow quick adjustments based on test findings.

Post-launch monitoring:

• Monitor user feedback in the target market even after launch to identify any lingering issues or areas for improvement.

By following these steps and prioritizing clear communication and collaboration, your localization testing process will be well-equipped to deliver a successful product launch in your new target market.

Streamlining the localization QA process: agile, automation, and Artificial Intelligence

Here are some ideas on how to boost your QA process and achieve global success more quickly:

Embrace Agile workflows

Agile methodologies promote continuous improvement and rapid iteration cycles. This allows for quick adjustments based on testing results, ensuring your app stays ahead of the curve. At Acclaro, we’ve helped numerous clients leverage agile methodologies to streamline localization workflows and achieve faster market penetration.

Some industries we have worked in are SaaS data storage, fintech, enterprise software, and apps, plus HR tech. Read more about some of the clients we’ve worked with here.

Automate repetitive tasks

Let technology handle the mundane! Automation can streamline functional, localization, and performance testing, allowing your team to focus on more complex issues. Imagine automating repetitive tasks like checking for placeholder text leakage—a tedious but crucial step in the QA process.

Leverage the power of AI

Integrate AI throughout the localization process, not just at the end. This type of integration allows AI to identify and resolve issues early, preventing delays and ensuring a high-quality final product. Check out our case studies to see how Acclaro uses AI to deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Overcoming common localization QA challenges

Even the most meticulous plans can encounter hurdles. Here’s how to navigate the common roadblocks that can trip up your localization QA process:

• Define clear goals from the outset. Establish metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and measure success. This data-driven approach ensures your QA efforts are targeted and effective.
• Consider internationalization testing, the phase in which you prepare your product for localization, resulting in less testing when the product goes into the actual localization phase. This phase involves designing and developing your software for easy adaptation to different languages and regions. It’s similar to planning and preparing what you’ll pack before packing for your vacation—a little extra time upfront to shorten a lengthy process later. By considering localization from the start, you can minimize the rework and testing needed later.
• Allow for enough time.  Thorough multi-language testing requires a significant amount of time. Be realistic about project timelines and resource allocation. Remember, the automation tips covered earlier can significantly streamline this process, freeing your team to focus on complex issues.
• Set aside enough budget.  A solid QA process is an investment in your global success—factor in testing costs throughout the entire localization workflow. A poor QA process is the same as buying cheap paper towels. Sure, they do the job, but you’re using twice as much in the short term and spending more money in the long run.
• Be as detailed as possible.  Detailed test plans should outline the specific areas to be tested, the methodologies used, and the expected outcomes. This ensures comprehensive testing and minimizes the risk of overlooking critical areas.
• Partner carefully.  If vendors are to be involved in the testing process, choose a skilled vendor with a proven track record in localization QA. Look for a company that employs native-language testers who understand the intricacies of the target language and culture. Also, look for a partner who understands the technology required in this industry.

A localization partner that speaks your language

Acclaro offers a comprehensive solution that goes beyond just translations. My Acclaro provides a user-friendly platform for easy translation access, keeping the entire process transparent and efficient.

Boost your productivity with our suite of automation tools and scalable integrations. We seamlessly connect with your existing CMS platforms and offer a developer-friendly API to simplify integration into your workflow.

You have options! Explore the power of Acclaro’s translation management system (TMS) or leverage our expertise to evaluate third-party options. We’ll help you find the perfect solution to streamline your localization process and propel your app to global success.

Ready to take your localization QA to the next level? Contact Acclaro today! Our team of experts can help you develop a customized QA strategy that meets your unique needs and propels your software to succeed across borders.