| Today, more and more Web sites are providing content in multiple languages for targeted countries, and more and more products are being designed for cultural differences in mind. However, the concept of cross-cultural design has not yet become a strong force in the practitioners' and educators' agenda. This book looks at techniques, software, tools, the current state of the art, and future directions that one needs to understand for a successful application of cross-cultural interface design.
Usability and Internationalization of Information Technology provides a bridge between theoretical foundations and practical examples, as well as guidelines for designing information technology for different cultures, languages, and locales. Written by some of the foremost practitioners from the United States, Europe, and Asia, the book is organized into three sections. It begins with a general introduction to the topic and discusses cultural considerations. Part II focuses on some aspects of design, cost justification and international usability evaluations. Part III covers three case studies on international user interface design. An appendix is included at the end of the book, providing a list of books and magazines published in the area of internationalization in the user interface design, project management, software design and development fields, as well as valuable resources, the leading journals, and the non-profit organizations that deal with internationalization.
With the rapid introduction of highly sophisticated computers, (tele)communication, service, and manufacturing systems, a major shift has occurred in the way people use technology and work with it. The objective of this book series on Human Factors and Ergonomics is to provide researchers and practitioners a platform where important issues related to these changes can be discussed, and methods and recommendations can be presented for ensuring that emerging technologies provide increased productivity, quality, satisfaction, safety, and health in the new workplace and in the Information Society.
The present volume is published at a very opportune time when industry and commerce is internationalized and products and services are marketed across national and cultural boundaries. This book provides a theoretical foundation and practical examples and guidelines for designing information technology for different cultures, languages, and economic standing and the methods to be utilized to ensure their usability across cultural boundaries.
The book's 11 chapters are authored by some of the foremost practitioners from the United States, Europe, and Asia. The book starts with two chapters on guidelines and practices for internationalization and localization, and includes four chapters on cultural consideration and guidelines in the design of information technology; two chapters on usability evaluation methodology and cost-benefit analysis for cross-cultural design; and three chapters on case studies of cross-cultural design. The book's 368 references, 62 figures, and 45 tables provide useful modes for further in-depth study of the subject.
The book's editor is a leading international figure in the subject area. The book should be of special value to people designing and evaluating information technology products and services for international use and for researchers in the subject area. |
