Cultural Aspects of Computing?

Sean80 asks: "Recently, my company discovered that cultural aspects impact significantly on the expectations for a piece of software. For example, we found that the features which the Japanese would like differ markedly from those demanded in the US. In one particular instance, the Japanese market seemed far more demanding of functionality which dealt with quality issues. I am trying to find good books or other resources which address this issue. Are there any out there? What other areas of computing are impacted by cultural considerations? Should I consider these differences when building UIs, for example?"

Comments

moving time

[jeffy124]

Japanese market seemed far more demanding of functionality which dealt with quality issues

"Honey, pack your bags!! We're moving!!"

Them Japanese are Right On with Me!

[Deanasc]

I don't know about any one else but I'd like a functional and high quality piece of software too.

Each culture & subculture values different thi

[eugene ts wong]

I took intercultural studies in college and one of the most emphatic things is that you can't look in a text book for this information. You have to do some in depth and time consuming studies.

Look up "ethnography" with google. An ethnography will teach you to see things through their eyes.

I made an ethnography in college in anthropology class, and found it to be a fascinating experience. My ethnography in particular wasn't fascinating, but the other sample copies were.

Nielsen says...

[rubinson]

In one particular instance, the Japanese market seemed far more demanding of functionality which dealt with quality issues. I am trying to find good books or other resources which address this issue. Are there any out there? What other areas of computing are impacted by cultural considerations? Should I consider these differences when building UIs, for example?"

<sarcasm>
I don't believe it. According to Jakob Nielsen's "exhaustive" usability studies of 4 Japanese senior citizens and 16 Israeli children, there are no cultural differences regarding usability.
</sarcasm>

In a more serious vein, one place to start might be the Interface Hall of Shame which as a section on "globalization" issues including some tips and recommendations. (Ironically, the site uses frames which means that I can't provide a direct link to the i18n section.)

Another possible source is Microsoft. For better or for worse, they spend a lot of usability and I wouldn't be surprised if that includes i18n.

Hey Mikey

[unitron]

Overheard in Redmond--"Let's sell it to Americans. They'll buy anything"