Malte Ressin

Defects and Agility: Localization Issues in Agile Development Projects

It has been noted that software localization does not always fit well into agile software development. This poster aims to illustrate the relationship between the two by examining how localization issues occur in agile projects. A list of common localization issues is presented and examined as to where and why they can be caused during development and if there is a connection to agile methodologies. The poster serves as an introduction to our research in this area.

Lost in Agility? Approaching Software Localization in Agile Software Development

Adapting software for different languages is required to gain market access by increasing product acceptance and usability, and satisfying legal requirements. This process commonly consists of two steps: Internationalization, i.e. the generalization of any language- and culture-specific properties and elements of the software in question, and localization, i.e. the specialization of said elements for specific languages, cultures and countries [1]. It is a topic with increasing relevance as new technologies enable new software uses and interaction modes, which in turn create new cultural dependencies which need to be localized, and new ways to do it, e.g. crowdsourcing [2] and machine translation [3].

Of code and context: collaboration between developers and translators

Software for international markets often requires cultural adaption in order to be successful in different markets. To achieve this, software developers work together with translators to internationalize and localize their product as necessary. In this paper, we reflect on our experiences of collaboration between these two specialist types from different disciplines. We contrast the differences in object of work, education, values and perception of product quality and illustrate what other factors might have an influence in collaboration. Our experiences suggest that the collaboration between developers and localizers might be improved by integrating translators into development teams, and by emphasizing the importance of understanding each others work better.

Exploring local cultural perspectives in user interface development in an indian offshoring context: a view from the UK

In this paper, we present the results of an exploratory case study on the impact of culture on software development in an offshoring context in India. Our research aims to understand the role of culture in outsourced software development. We interviewed human-computer interface professionals such as frontend developers, user interface designers and usability specialists working for a software development outsourcing vendor in India. The interviews were analysed for occurrence of common themes. Thereafter the cultural models of Hofstede and Hall were used to make sense of these emerging themes.. Our results indicate that cultural influence occurs and has an overarching influence in software development. Three proposals are made in response to the cultural issues highlighted.

The centre for internationalization and usability: enabling culture-centred design for all

The Centre for Internationalisation and Usability within the School of Computing and Technology at The University of West London aims to enhance understanding of cultural differences in international software development. A particular focus is the development and usability of ICT products in a global market, both in terms of international software development and economic, community and social development. We host a number of researchers and PhD students working in topics such as usability evaluation and culture, sociotechnical participatory design, internationalization attitudes of software engineers, mobile learning and library cognitive design.

Empirically researching development of international software

Software localization is an important process for international acceptance of software products. However, software development and localization does not always come together without friction. In our empirical software engineering research, we examine the interplay of software development and software localization by gathering and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data from professionals in relevant roles. Our aim is to co-validate issues and inform practice about the development of international software.