Human interface designers often approach the design of an interface much like reading a book. We consider the flow of information, the hierarchy of elements, and the natural eye movements that people will make as they interact with the interface. Just as a well-written book guides the reader through its content in a logical and engaging manner, a well-designed interface should guide individuals through its functions and features in a familiar way.
When localizing an interface for languages that read from right to left (like Arabic or Hebrew) or from top to bottom (like traditional Chinese or Japanese), designers have to rethink this flow. It’s not just a matter of translating the text; the entire layout may need to be mirrored or adapted to accommodate the reading habits of the target audience. For example, navigation menus that are typically on the left side for English-speaking individuals might be moved to the right side for Arabic-speaking individuals.
The legibility of an interface also extends beyond the text itself to include other elements like buttons, icons, and even the spacing between lines of text. Designers must consider how these elements will be perceived by people who are accustomed to reading in a different direction. For instance, a call-to-action button that is naturally placed at the bottom right of a page for English-speaking individuals might be more effective at the bottom left for Arabic-speaking individuals.
This concept extends to the psychological biases that come with different reading patterns. In Western cultures, where reading from left to right is the norm, people often scan web pages in an “F” pattern, focusing on the top-left corner before moving horizontally and then vertically down the page. This pattern would be different for someone who reads from right to left, and designers must account for this when placing key elements on the page.
Human interface designers must be cultural anthropologists as well as visual experts. We need to understand not just the language but the cognitive patterns and cultural norms of their target audience. By doing so, we can create interfaces that are not just translated but truly localized, offering an experience that feels as natural and familiar as reading a well-written book in one’s native language.
