Crowdin Podcast - Breaking the Localization Barrier

In a recent episode of The Agile Localization Podcast by Crowdin, I had the pleasure of discussing how localization can seamlessly integrate into the product development lifecycle. Hosted by Stefan Huyghe, we dove deep into strategies that foster collaboration between localization and product teams, the importance of embedding localization from the start, and the role of automation in accelerating the localization process.

One of the main topics we explored was the concept of "Localization by Design", an approach that integrates internationalization and localization into product planning from day one. I shared how involving localization experts in initial planning meetings, reviewing wireframes, and ensuring cultural nuances are considered early on can reduce costly redesigns and technical debt. By doing so, businesses can release international versions of products faster and more efficiently, ultimately improving the return on investment.

We also discussed how companies like Walmart foster a culture where localization is viewed as an essential part of the product development process. Through a mix of data-driven insights and internal champions across departments, localization is not an afterthought, but rather a core component of the company’s DNA. I highlighted the importance of localization ambassadors, employees across various departments who advocate for global-first thinking and ensure that all product designs consider international markets from the get-go.

Another key point we touched on was the communication gap between localization and development teams. With technical knowledge often differing between the two groups, I emphasized the importance of fostering understanding and bridging that gap. As a recommendation, I encouraged localization specialists to familiarize themselves with programming concepts and languages, such as Python, to speak the same language as developers and facilitate smoother collaboration.

We then explored how localization teams can add value beyond translation. Localization is about adapting products to meet the cultural and regulatory needs of different markets, providing valuable insights for UX design, accessibility, and even marketing strategies. Localization specialists possess unique knowledge of target markets that can influence everything from user interface design to content creation.

Of course, no conversation in the world of localization is complete without mentioning the role of AI and automation. We discussed how these technologies are transforming the industry by streamlining repetitive tasks, such as file handling and quality assurance checks, ultimately accelerating the localization process while maintaining quality. However, I stressed that AI should complement, not replace, the human touch. Human oversight is essential to ensure that the nuances and cultural elements are preserved throughout the localization process.

Finally, we dove into the practicalities of implementing localization in an agile environment. From using sprint planning to create space for localization tasks, to triage systems that prioritize user-facing content, we discussed best practices for ensuring that localization keeps pace with rapid development cycles and frequent product updates.

If you’re interested in learning how companies can integrate localization from the very start of the development cycle, or if you’re curious about the role of AI in localization, you’ll want to listen to the full episode.

You can tune in to the podcast on your preferred platform:

• YouTube

• Apple Podcasts

• Spotify

Don’t miss this insightful conversation, and be sure to subscribe to The Agile Localization Podcast to stay up to date on the latest in localization and product development strategies!