Definition -- Localization is the process of creating or adapting a product to a specific locale. details...

Importance -- 2,113,000,000 Internet users speak languages other than English. The localization process can be very time-consuming, costly and frustrating if the English web pages were not designed for this purpose. details...

Consistency -- Keeping one element, such as the main color or layout, of the website can create a valuable consistency among sites in different languages. It not only cuts down the cost, but also creates a "well-organized big company" image.But there could be many problems. details...

Navigation -- Text has substantial advantages over buttons for the links on navigation bars. It is also desirable to create the top and/or left navigation bar as a template for localization purposes. details...

Writing -- Writing for a website which is going to be localized is very difficulut due to the uniqueness of each languag and should be handled carefully. details...

Static Graphics -- The number of static graphics on web pages should be minimized because they add a log of work to localization. Try to use as few icons as possible because most icons are not internationally recognizable. details...

Animation -- I usually discourage designers to use animation. However, we have to take the internet development history of the target countries into consideration when we discuss animations in an international setting. This should be decided after careful studies of the data of Internet and Internet Users of the target countries. details...

Conclusion -- The time language was a barrier to communication will soon be history, just like distance has been to economy. As designers in this "world village", we are required by this era and the future to think differently -- to think in a multi-cultural setting. details...

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