Ask HN: When is the right time to think about localisation

3 pointshurricaneSlider8y ago2 comments

I'm currently working on a prototype for a consumer facing application which hopefully will have global applicativity.

I've often heard the adage that it is never too soon to worry about localisation and timezones, but am wondering whether when trying to develop a MVP whether this holds.

I know there are a number of founders here, so would like ask: "When did you start worrying about localisation? Would you have approached localisation differently if you were to start over again?"

2 comments

2 comments · 2 top-level

barrystaes8y ago

I start localizing after the product feels finished, or only translate parts that are finished and not likely to change soon. So by my rules, a prototype (that is finished) could show working localisation with minimal effort. (Just using an array with strings instead of a full blown localisation/formatting solution.)

If my product should take timezones into account, its data formats and business code are designed to account for that from the start.

codegeek8y ago

Localization is a hard problem. Too many factors to consider. If you are building a MVP, I would advise not spending too much time on it. You can certainly leave some placeholders in the application if it fits but building a full blown localized product is 2-3 times harder (in my experience).

You also said "which hopefully will have global applicativity."

So you are not quite there yet where you know for sure that it will be global. What if it doesn't or takes you a while to first validate the market in general ?

My advice: Build the MVP quickly, validate the product and then think about localizing if you get enough traction.

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