When it comes to UX/UI design, thinking locally is so last decade. We live in a globalized world where your app, website, or platform could be used by someone in Tokyo, Toronto, or Timbuktu (yes, it’s a real place). So, what’s the secret to designing experiences that resonate across continents and cultures? The answer is internationalization – or “i18n” if you’re into cryptic tech abbreviations.
Internationalization is the process of designing products that can easily be adapted for different languages, regions, and cultural contexts. It’s not just about slapping on some translation software and calling it a day. It’s about thinking holistically – across time zones, writing systems, and even local user preferences.
Let’s dive into what makes designing for internationalization so important – and, more importantly, how to do it well without turning your interface into a patchwork quilt of mismatched text and awkward button sizes.