Usually, when we want to improve something in our Localization strategy, we first set an ambitious goal. From there, we design a strategy to reach it as quickly as possible. If we don't see rapid changes, we feel like we're not improving. To break this cycle, we can try changing the way we set goals—smaller, but consistent objectives that, when we look back, show us that we are indeed making progress. This progress can be the driving force for us every week, every month, every year.
Here are some ideas on how we could apply this Kaizen methodology in the Localization world.
A multi-market expansion strategy for any product is most effective if the various Globalization (i.e.Localization, Internationalization) activities are understood as a cycle that runs parallel to the multiple phases of software development; This cycle repeats during the various product upgrades. It is not an activity that is executed as if it were a process once the home market version (usually in English) is finalized. It is not a transaction that simply sends files to a professional localizer shortly before the global release. No; Globalization is not a process. Globalization is a cycle that runs multiple times. It is a cycle that runs in parallel with the product research, design, and development phases.