Chapter 23

Global And Intercultural User-Interface Design

Aaron Marcus
Aaron Marcus and Associates, Inc.

 

Outline

Introduction

Globalization

Definitions: Globalization, Interationalization, and Localization

Advantages and Disadvantages of Globalization

Globalization Development Process

Critical Aspects for Globalization: General Guidelines

An Example of Specific Guidelines: Appearance

Globalization Case Study

Planet Sabre

Cultural Dimensions

Culture: An Additional Issue for Globally Oriented UI Designers

Hofstede’s Dimensions of Culture

Power Distance

Individualism versus Collectivism

Masculinity versus Femininity

Uncertainty Avoidance

Long-versus Short-Term Time Orientation

Design Issues

Conclusions and Future Research Issues

Acknowledgments

References

URLS and Other Information Resources

 

Figures

Figure 23.1: Example of Planet Sabre home screen showing typical icons for passenger, airline booking, hotel rental, car rental, and e-mail (post box).

Figure 23.2: Example of dialogue box in the Customizer application, by which users can change the icons to become more culturally relevant.

Figure 23.3: TeamWare Finnish screen patterns.

Figure 23.4: High power distance: Malaysian university Web site.

Figure 23.5a: Low power distance.

Figure 23.5b: Dutch educational Websites.

Figure 23.6: High individualist value: U. S. National Park Web site.

Figure 23.7: Low individualist value: Costa Rican National Park Website.

Figure 23.8: “What ’s Cool”: Political message about exploitation of children.

Figure 23.9: High masculinity Web site: Excite.com for women in Japan.

Figure 23.10: Medium masculinity Web site: ChickClick.com in the United States.

Figure 23.11: Low masculinity Web site: Swedish Excite.com.

Figure 23.12: High uncertainty avoidance: Sabena Airlines Web site from Belgium.

Figure 23.13: Low uncertainty avoidance: The British Airways Website.

Figure 23.14: Low Long-term orientation: Web site form Siemens Germany.

Figure 23.15: High long-term orientation: Web site from Siemens in China.