Localization testing services help test whether software is ready for releasing on a global platform. Businesses wanting to grow and attain worldwide recognition for software development need to adhere to the localization testing norms. Software, thus tested, will adapt to the needs, expectations and understanding of the global audience.
Thus, localisation testing is critical as it verifies software performance against a backdrop of many different languages, varied cultural preferences and multiple formatting preferences. Essentially, localization testing ensures that software works perfectly irrespective of whether it is used in the USA, India or even the Maldives etc.
Any software undergoing customisation for global release its suitability and accuracy tested predominantly in 3 areas:
- Linguistics that include spelling and grammar checking in the linguistic context
- Cosmetic including graphic elements like icons, drawings, boxes etc.
- Functional that tests the efficiency of the different links and buttons present, saving formats, date format and currency usage etc.
Benefits of localization testing
As mentioned earlier, it is mandatory for businesses looking at a global expansion. If customers find particular software to be non-compatible with their local markets, they will either delete the app or never use it again. Alternatively, if they find the app compatible and adapted to suite their local needs, they will feel confident and comfortable in using the same. Localisation testing ensures software’s compatibility with the localised needs of the people using it irrespective of the country where they are used. Thus, they are critical for the international success of the software.
The contribution of localization testing to the growth of a business is undeniable. Availing Localization Testing Services during the software’s development stage and ensuring process scalability will enhance its market reach. It is common knowledge that the scope for worldwide growth is amplified when user experience is given priority. Localization testing ensures a good user experience thereby opening up avenues for commercial interaction between the business and its appreciative customers.
Five best practices of localization testing
5 factors extremely critical for the success of any localization strategy adopted is:
No taking shortcuts: For any software to be successful, it needs to be user friendly. Localisation testing services need time to ensure a superlative localised user experience. This time is critical to ensure the software’s compatibility with the needs of the user. Many times when text is translated, it stops making sense since language nuances require the intervention of an expert to ensure its correct translation. This might take some time but it also helps save businesses make grave blunders having far-reaching consequences.
Early testing: The earlier localization testing is started, the better it is for the software. Additionally, throughout the SDLC numerous testing processes need to be carried out in quick succession. When this testing is started during the later software development stages, the software might start malfunctioning in many different ways. This will lead to an enhancement of editing time to ensure everything works in tandem. However, when early and frequent testing is conducted, the whole process of software development becomes cost and time effective.
Getting the measuring metrics right: Software meant for different regions need to be tested on different metrics as applicable to the region. Developers should thus decide on the quantity of sign-ups, downloads and purchases, they want their software to ideally haveand focus on achieving them. By delivering on the key metrics that support business goals, businesses can add to their stability by generating a commendable ROI.
Cultural differences are critical: Most people equate localization to translation. But it is so much more than that. Localization also means ensuring the software follows the regional cultural norms. If these cultural nuances are not taken into account, the business will ultimately suffer. However, by implementing the required localization testing services, businesses can avoid embarrassing and offensive mistakes resulting from the cultural differences present. Since it is not possible for software developers and testers to be proficient in all the cultures of the world, it is best to bring in native experts to test for cultural localization before releasing the software in the region.
Collaborating with a global testing company: Localization testing is done to ensure better acceptability of developed software in international markets. The challenges faced pertain to 4 important aspects viz:
- Language,
- Currency,
- Date/time formatting
- UI display.
Collaborating with an international professional localization testing company will ensure these challenges are mitigated since their expertise and experience to ensure that:
- The translations are accurate
- The software follows high functionality standards and
- The software has been developed after considering the cultural differences.
Employing natives for localization testing in the individual countries the software is to be released can prove to be quite costly. However, collaborating with a global localization testing company is cost effective.
Software localisation is an important catalyst that helps businesses penetrate new markets globally. Thus, businesses should ensure the application of a robust localization strategy.