Information Architecture: Intercultural Human Factors

Although information architecture has included a wide range of cultural adaptations for internationalizing and localizing online information, rarely have these efforts involved going beyond superficial cultural considerations. Initially, internationalization concentrated on the outer layers of culture, such as avoiding specific colors and inappropriate icons, as well as incorporating local currency and time standards. While internationalizing these features contributes to an effective online environment across culture, they represent the initial stages of internationalization and localization requirements.

Fortunately, current international information architecture research provides useful guidelines and heuristics for localizing online information. This article explores the claim that current internationalization and localization efforts presume particular cultural values and that an effective online environment for international audiences requires structural or architectural reconsideration. Using a Japanese deliverable as a model, this examination maps cultural dimensions to different elements of information architecture. The result of this examination provides suggestions for future internationalization and localization projects.