LOCALISATION QA TESTING
What is Localisation QA Testing?
Localisation QA testing is a software testing technique which ensures that the software being tested, behaves as per the local culture and settings. The purpose of performing this testing is to verify linguistically appropriate and cultural aspects for a specific locale. In simpler words, it is customising software applications as per the targeted language and country.
It mainly involves testing various globalised software whose UI, currency, date, time format, default language, and documentation need to be curated as per the targeted audience in the specified country or region.
The main function of The Localisation QA Testing Process is to make sure that the application is capable of being used in that particular country.
Although being an integral part of the localisation process, it’s role is sometimes not fully comprehendible, or not as easy to distinguish.
Historical Conduct
In the past, when most of the translations were focused on documentation, localisation QA testing was not nearly as conventional. Final reviews were typically taken care of by translators just before the files were sent for publishing. Compared to then, the work and expertise of localisation QA testers have now become a necessity in the process of translation with the rise of digital content and localisation activities for mobile applications, software, and websites.
Through the course of the process, different testers will repeat the same functions. They check for things like semantical errors, cultural accuracy of UI, typographical errors, etc.
Localisation QA Testing process
- Build verification Testing
- Functional Testing
- Standard Examination
- Regression Testing
- Final Sign-Off
For a typical localisation QA testing process, one needs to set up build verification testing, which is performed before QA starts. Functional testing followed by a standard examination, which runs typical test cases and looks for log defects during execution. Next is regression testing, which is to ensure that all errors are fixed and not affecting surrounding areas. The last step is the final sign-off, performed to check on the build before its delivery to the client.
Advantages of Localisation QA Testing
Localisation QA testing has its fair share of advantages. Overall testing and support costs are reduced by adopting this technique. With more flexibility and scalability, it also enables a reduction in time put into testing.
Internationalisation, translation, and localisation are preceded by testing. Testing identifies and fixes any bugs or errors that may have been introduced in these processes. It also promises locale-specific characters to appear correctly, including numbers, holidays, salutation, and names. For instance, software products being localised for Asian markets must handle complex aspects that could impact text expansion, cut off words, and inaccurately aligned menus.
Specialised testing teams consider cultural factors such as colour and representation of ethnicity to make sure the user experience feels familiar and not generic. Culture affects how people think and therefore, how they use the software.
Some software products or updates may vary across multiple geographical regions, but the objective is to retain and deliver a global concept. Testing ensures that localised versions are in harmony with the source product and stay true to the initial brand promise. Testers can then provide the flow and context of each confined product work for each user. The in-context review focuses more on quality and experience, rather than functionality.
The Gist
Localisation QA testing teams must ensure that users have an authentic and enjoyable experience in all markets while retaining what core to the product and brand is. A good software localisation QA testing program will comprehend world readiness scenarios and provide regional and cultural insights to all targeted users.
By Ira Mahajan
Team Loc-N-Apps
