4.1.3.4 Other Non-textual Objects
Description
This section describes other non-textual aspects of internationalization, such as video, accessibility issues, and naming conventions.
Command Line Interface
Not applicable.
Character Interface
Not applicable.
Graphical Interface
Some other non-textual aspects of internationalization include:
- Video - Video is often used for product demonstrations and marketing purposes. Since it is expensive to localize video, the voiceover is often the only part that changes for each geographic market. Different cultures have different ideas of what is appropriate as far as movement, degree of eye contact, and clothing are concerned. The non-textual aspects of internationalization that apply to GUIs are present and even intensified in video format. Also, video formats can differ from one country to another.
- Accessibility - It is required by United States law that all products, including software applications, accommodate users with disabilities. Other countries might not have similar laws; however, it is helpful for products to be accessible to people with disabilities outside the United States as well. Accessible software applications accommodate users who are blind or colorblind, users with hearing impairments, and users with motor skills impairments that prevent them from using the mouse.
- Naming conventions - The name given to a feature in the original version of a product can affect how that feature is translated and hence connoted to users in different locales. Naming components after American concepts like "stickies" can make the components difficult to understand outside the United States. Also, users from cultures that value dignity and formality appreciate accurate, functional names more than informal or cute ones.
Application Protocols
Not applicable.
Storage and Interchange
Not applicable.
Application Programming Interfaces
Not applicable.
Requirements for Compliance
Command Line Interface
Not applicable.
Character Interface
Not applicable.
Graphical Interface
The graphical interface requirements for compliance can be categorized as follows:
- Video - The colors, graphics, and sounds used in video require the same considerationas that they do in graphical user interfaces (GUIs). A marketing professional with experience marketing products internationally should be engaged to review the video before it is released outside of the United States.
- Accessibility - Keyboard equivalents should exist for all mouse actions. This is imperative for people who do not use a mouse, as well as for blind people who use a screen reader to decipher the interface. Anywhere sound or color is used to convey meaning in the interface, there should be a textual equivalent. This accommodates users with hearing or vision impairments.
- Naming Conventions - When deciding between a functional name and a more informal name for a feature or component, the functional name should always be chosen. This results in more meaningful and accurate translations.
Application Protocols
Not applicable.
Storage and Interchange
Not applicable.
Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)
Not applicable.
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