User Experience Design Trends

🌎 Designing Cross-Cultural And Multi-Lingual UX. Guidelines on how to stress test our designs, how to define a localization strategy and how to deal with currencies, dates, word order, pluralization, colors and gender pronouns. ⦿ Translation: “We adapt our message to resonate in other markets”. ⦿ Localization: “We adapt user experience to local expectations”. ⦿ Internationalization: “We adapt our codebase to work in other markets”. ✅ English-language users make up about 26% of users. ✅ Top written languages: Chinese, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese. ✅ Most users prefer content in their native language(s). ✅ French texts are on average 20% longer than English ones. ✅ Japanese texts are on average 30–60% shorter. 🚫 Flags aren’t languages: avoid them for language selection. 🚫 Language direction ≠ design direction (“F” vs. Zig-Zag pattern). 🚫 Not everybody has first/middle names: “Full name” is better. ✅ Always reserve at least 30% room for longer translations. ✅ Stress test your UI for translation with pseudolocalization. ✅ Plan for line wrap, truncation, very short and very long labels. ✅ Adjust numbers, dates, times, formats, units, addresses. ✅ Adjust currency, spelling, input masks, placeholders. ✅ Always conduct UX research with local users. When localizing an interface, we need to work beyond translation. We need to be respectful of cultural differences. E.g. in Arabic we would often need to increase the spacing between lines. For Chinese market, we need to increase the density of information. German sites require a vast amount of detail to communicate that a topic is well-thought-out. Stress test your design. Avoid assumptions. Work with local content designers. Spend time in the country to better understand the market. Have local help on the ground. And test repeatedly with local users as an ongoing part of the design process. You’ll be surprised by some findings, but you’ll also learn to adapt and scale to be effective — whatever market is going to come up next. Useful resources: UX Design Across Different Cultures, by Jenny Shen https://lnkd.in/eNiyVqiH UX Localization Handbook, by Phrase https://lnkd.in/eKN7usSA A Complete Guide To UX Localization, by Michal Kessel Shitrit 🎗️ https://lnkd.in/eaQJt-bU Designing Multi-Lingual UX, by yours truly https://lnkd.in/eR3GnwXQ Flags Are Not Languages, by James Offer https://lnkd.in/eaySNFGa IBM Globalization Checklists https://lnkd.in/ewNzysqv Books: ⦿ Cross-Cultural Design (https://lnkd.in/e8KswErf) by Senongo Akpem ⦿ The Culture Map (https://lnkd.in/edfyMqhN) by Erin Meyer ⦿ UX Writing & Microcopy (https://lnkd.in/e_ZFu374) by Kinneret Yifrah

Do you know how long it was before I saw someone who looked like me in stock images? Or how long it was before I heard a voice assistant with an accent like mine? Or how long it took before I could use my native currency in an app? Too long… When it comes to developing technologies, it is an unfortunate reality that some regions are the “default” - While others are considered…well, “other.” 🤷🏻♂️ And this insensitivity towards local cultures can be a major hurdle to the adoption of newer, global technologies. In 2024, failing to integrate local cultures into global tech isn’t just morally inexcusable – It’s downright bad business as doing this can easily boost an organization’s revenues. To touch on just the three things I mentioned up top, Here’s what I propose to anyone building new tech: 1️⃣ Diversity in stock and promotional photos Be sure to represent the people and customs of the region in which you’re operating. Ask yourselves: are handshakes common in this region? Do men generally wear suits here? Are peoples’ heads usually uncovered? And don’t opt for poorly-made AI-generated images either. A small effort goes a long way. 2️⃣ Invest in localizing languages Not everyone speaks English, French, or Mandarin. If you want your technology to be adopted, speak the language of your customers. 3️⃣ Make currency conversion seamless and transparent We all have up-to-the-second access to the exchange rate.

Do the math and charge users in their local currency. If you want to globalize, you must first localize. #Technology #Innovation #Culture

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from building businesses in Saudi Arabia is the power of what I call glocalization, which is the art of blending global strategies with local market insights. For brands to thrive in today’s interconnected world, they need to balance the strengths of global expertise while staying deeply connected to the local culture. Here’s how glocalization can help create a brand that resonates with Saudi consumers while positioning it for regional and global growth: 𝟏. 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭: Saudi Arabia is undergoing a rapid transformation, but local values and cultural nuances still drive consumer behavior. Understanding these insights allows you to tailor your offering to meet local expectations while leveraging global best practices. 𝟐. 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 & 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲: When I worked at Majorel and now with X-Shift, we focused on embedding our brand into the local fabric by being authentic and owning our Saudi identity. Localization is not just about the translation of material to Arabic, but about relevance and creating real connections with consumers. 𝟑. 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬: Don’t just import a strategy. Make it yours. While global frameworks provide a solid foundation, they need to be adapted to fit the unique needs of the local market. Successful brands take the best of both worlds. 𝟒. 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡: Once you’ve built a strong local presence, you’re ready to scale. By aligning your brand with local needs, you set yourself up for expansion into regional markets with similar cultural touchpoints then later realize your global ambitions. There’s no universal formula for success, but the key is finding the perfect balance. My experience building businesses in Saudi Arabia has taught me that success comes from creating something that truly resonates with people where they are, all while thinking ambitiously. When you master this balance, you build a brand that is not only deeply connected to its local roots but also flexible and ready to thrive on the global stage. What strategies have you found most effective in balancing local relevance with global ambition? Share your thoughts in the comments! #business #global #local #growth #KSA #SaudiArabia

One of the first killer applications of XR is emerging around something very human, bringing families together when they cannot be in the same place. As the holidays arrive, we especially become more aware of distance. XR offers a way to collapse that distance by making presence feel shared again, even when travel is impossible. The technology is already coming together to make this a reality. The big headset players are all working on ways to create hyper-realistic digital twins of their users, including Apple’s Personas and Meta’s Codec Avatars. And we are also seeing headset-free solutions like Google Beam’s 3D communication platform changing what it means to talk to someone at a distance. When a person shows up in your space as a lifelike avatar, the moment stops feeling like a video call and starts feeling like you are sharing the same room. This makes the experience feel like they are visiting rather than dialing in, and immediately enables all participants to be more present with one another. XR does more than shrink distance. It also changes how we experience time. With spatial video and volumetric capture, moments stop living in the past and start feeling like places you can return to. As AI becomes part of those recordings, the past begins to feel closer to the present. Companies like 2wai offer an early look at how people may one day see and speak with loved ones who are no longer here. This changes how people grieve, remember, and stay connected across generations. The holidays are the one time of year when people really try to show up for each other. When distance or time gets in the way, XR can offer a new way to stay close. That is when the technology feels less like hardware and more like something meaningful. #XR #virtualreality #VR #augmentedreality #AR #mixedreality #holidays #spatialcomputing

Global luxury strategy still begins with local understanding Globalization has made luxury brands more visible across borders, but it has not created a single global luxury consumer. Motivations, expectations, and purchasing behaviors still vary significantly between markets. These differences should shape communication, distribution, clienteling, and the balance between digital and physical experiences. A strategy that succeeds in one country may lose relevance elsewhere when local cultures and consumption patterns are not properly understood. In the United States, luxury is often associated with individuality, personal achievement, and lifestyle. In China, visible success remains important, but consumers are becoming more selective and attentive to heritage, craftsmanship, authenticity, and long-term value. In Japan, precision, discretion, technical excellence, and service quality frequently matter more than overt status. In the Middle East, prestige, hospitality, personal relationships, gifting traditions, and exceptional service remain central. In Brazil and other emerging markets, luxury can still express social mobility, recognition, and success. This diversity does not mean that luxury houses should reinvent themselves for every market. A strong brand must remain coherent in its products, values, positioning, and vision. What can evolve is the emphasis placed on different aspects of its identity. A house may highlight craftsmanship in Japan, personal expression in the United States, cultural refinement in China, or relationship-based exclusivity in the Gulf. Local adaptation should deepen understanding of the brand without weakening the foundations of its authority and desirability. Distribution and customer experience should follow the same principle. Some markets require destination flagships and immersive environments, while others rely more heavily on private salons, selective partners, appointments, or strong local clienteling. Digital channels influence almost every stage of the luxury journey, but physical boutiques and human expertise remain essential for high-value purchases. Clients may discover a brand online, yet trust, recognition, and emotional connection are still largely built through personal interaction. As a consultant, coach, and educator in luxury strategy, I help brands clarify their positioning, identify the right client segments, refine distribution, strengthen clienteling, adapt communication, and create customer experiences that protect exclusivity while supporting sustainable growth. #LuxuryStrategy #ConsumerBehavior #LuxuryMarketing #GlobalLuxury #BrandManagement

In AWE ...🥽 Just returned from AWE Europe, more convinced than ever that we are on the cusp of a reality-shifting moment in AI and XR. Here’s what I see coming—and why we need to start preparing now! 1️⃣ 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱𝘀, 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹: XR is evolving from a novelty to a part of our daily lives. Imagine a world where AI-driven augmented reality (AR) layers respond to your unique needs and preferences, reshaping retail, education, and social interactions in real-time. This personalized layer of reality is both exhilarating and unnerving - especially as our privacy and data become intertwined with these experiences. 2️⃣ 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: XR offers more than immersive visuals. It can become a tool for empathy and understanding across cultures. As virtual worlds blend with our own, we will be able to see from others’ perspectives, strengthening our connections in unprecedented ways. But, let’s proceed with caution: there is a fine line between authentic connection and manipulation in curated XR experiences. 3️⃣ 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲: We are already seeing demand for skills in digital storytelling, ethics, and human-centered design to make these experiences sustainable and inclusive. For professionals: now is the time to upskill and embrace these emerging technologies - XR will touch every industry, from healthcare to manufacturing. 4️⃣ 𝗘𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀: We are entering an era where companies will have access to our emotional data, preferences, and even our unconscious responses in XR environments. Ethical governance is not optional -it’s essential. We must prioritize transparency and consent to keep these digital layers equitable and safe for all. 5️⃣ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 "𝗠𝗶𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗿 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱" 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: Imagine a city overlay that optimizes itself in real-time, improving traffic flow, resource allocation, and even environmental conservation based on live data. XR will allow us to create a “mirror world” that adapts to our collective needs. But we need to be cautious of bias. Data-driven realities are only as fair as the algorithms behind them. 👥 It’s time to start the conversation on responsible, ethical XR. The future of immersive reality is beyond cool - it’s game-changing. Let’s make sure it’s a future we can all trust and be proud of. #AWE2024 #XR #AR #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork

You know that feeling when you start a new job… You were hired for your experience… yet you don’t even know where the bathroom is. You walk in confident - and suddenly feel like the new kid again: • Drowning in paperwork • Laptop… but no login • Desk… but no idea where anything is • A little lost, a little scared, a lot “I hope I don’t look clueless” That’s why onboarding matters. Not the “here’s your laptop, good luck” kind… …but the kind that says: “You belong here. We’re invested in your success.” When I became Head of Learning, the first thing I did was sit in our new hire experience — from orientation to training. I wanted to feel what our people felt. And then we rebuilt it. We recreated The Academy — a weeklong program where every new employee came to Chicago to learn the business, connect with people, and feel a true welcome into the culture. Years later… they still talk about it. Not because of the content - but because of how it made them feel: seen, supported, and set up to shine. A great onboarding program is more than a welcome email: 👉🏼 It connects new hires to purpose 👉🏼 It explains the culture and the “how we do things here” 👉🏼 It gives them confidence, clarity, and a community 👉🏼 It reduces the anxiety of being “the new one” 👉🏼 It accelerates their impact Because here’s the truth: Experience got them in the door. Onboarding helps them walk through it with confidence. So, leaders — if you own onboarding: Make it a hug. Make it a launchpad. Make it an invitation into belonging. Your new hires will remember how you welcomed them long after they forget the paperwork. 👉 What’s one thing your company does (or you’ve seen done) that makes new hires feel like they truly belong on Day 1? Because onboarding isn’t paperwork — it’s culture in action. It’s where #Leadership shows what it truly values, where #LearningAndDevelopment becomes support instead of stress, and where #OnboardingDoneRight turns nervous new hires into confident contributors. When we welcome people with clarity, care, and connection, we send a powerful message: You matter here. And that is the foundation of every great team.

I recently shared insights with SPH Media's Lianhe Zaobao 联合早报 on OpenAI's decision to restrict API access in China. As an MBA graduate from Guanghua School of Management, Peking University, with experience in both Western and Chinese tech landscapes, I'd like to offer a comprehensive perspective on this development and its global implications. Key takeaways and deeper insights: 1) 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐈 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: OpenAI's restrictions may catalyze China's AI industry rather than hinder it. Chinese tech giants and emerging AI companies are already capitalizing on this opportunity to attract displaced OpenAI users. 2) 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: While core LLM technology is similar globally, the real value lies in cultural adaptation: ● Western models align with Western perspectives ● Chinese models are tailored to local cultural norms and values. This trend extends beyond China, with projects like Singapore's SEA-LION developing AI models for Southeast Asian languages and cultures. 3) 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐈 𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: We may see an increasingly divided AI landscape reflecting geopolitical tensions, potentially leading to region-specific AI models for global enterprises. This could result in distinct AI ecosystems tailored to local markets, values, and regulations. 4) 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐬𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: The restrictions highlight the growing importance of data sovereignty, with countries prioritizing AI models trained on local data for cultural relevance and regulatory compliance. 5) 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬: Multinational corporations may need to adapt their AI approaches, potentially using different models for different markets. This could increase complexity in global tech operations and spur innovation through regional competition. These developments underscore the need for a nuanced understanding of the evolving global AI landscape. My experience in both Western and Chinese tech environments provides a unique lens through which to analyze these trends and their implications for businesses worldwide. I'm open to further discussions, keynote speaking opportunities, or interviews on this critical topic. Let's explore how these changes in the AI landscape will shape the future of technology and business globally. Link to full article: https://lnkd.in/g3h3U9Zc What are your thoughts on the future of AI development across different regions? How might this impact global innovation and cross-cultural collaboration in tech? #AI #GlobalTech #AIInnovation #TechStrategy #ChineseAI

You don’t need a new UI. You need a clearer path to action. A startup with over 280K paying users reached out for a full redesign. Their product already looked great but something felt off. Sometimes, the biggest wins come from fixing what’s almost working. Here’s why subtle tweaks often outperform shiny redesigns 👇 The interesting thing is that most UX teams want to “reimagine everything.” We think: • A new layout = better usability • A fancy UI = better conversion • A full redesign = more credibility But most of the time? 👉 Users weren’t stuck because of the visuals. They were stuck because of friction. Don’t redesign the whole thing, redesign the decision path. In the “before” version here: • All the interests are crammed together • There’s no grouping or structure • The call to action appears tappable too soon It looks complete… but feels confusing. Now look at the “after” version: ✅ Categories give the brain a break ✅ A counter gives users feedback ✅ The CTA only activates after a valid selection Same content. Different outcome. This is how you reduce drop-offs without touching the brand. People mostly in this case dropped off not because they were confused, but because they didn’t know how far they had to go (I’m guilty too). Truth is, most real UX work isn’t about how the screen looks. It’s about how the experience feels and flows. Don’t get me wrong, rebrands have their place. But if users are abandoning mid-onboarding, no amount of pixel-perfect UI will save you. Fix the friction first. It’s all psychology: • Structure helps users scan • Feedback helps them feel in control • Small nudges = massive results At the end is about honest UX thinking, product clarity, and small decisions that drive big outcomes. #UXDesign #ProductDesign #OnboardingUX #DesignThinking #UserExperience #FrictionFixes #MobileUX #MinimalChangesBigImpact

Everyone thinks Bata is from their country! Have you ever noticed how people in almost every country believe Bata is a local brand? From India to Kenya, from Brazil to Indonesia, Bata has mastered the art of making itself feel native to every market it enters. How? Through localization and cultural adaptation. Bata’s success lies in its hyper-localized strategies: ✅ Language Customization: They adapt their messaging to reflect local languages and dialects, making their communication feel personal and relatable. ✅ Culturally Relevant Marketing: Bata tailors its campaigns to align with local traditions, festivals, and values. For example, in India, they highlight designs for weddings and festivals, while in Africa, they focus on durable, everyday footwear. ✅ Product Adaptation: They design products that cater to local tastes, climates, and lifestyles. Whether it’s sandals for tropical weather or sturdy shoes for rugged terrains, Bata gets it right. This approach has made Bata a household name in over 70 countries. To truly resonate with global audiences, you need to think global but act local. Here are 3 tips for businesses looking to replicate Bata’s success: 1️⃣ Understand Local Needs: Research your audience deeply. What do they value, and what problems can your product solve for them? 2️⃣ Adapt Your Brand Story: Make your brand feel like it belongs by weaving it into the local culture. 3️⃣ Collaborate with Local Talent: Work with local designers, marketers, and influencers to ensure authenticity. Bata’s story is a reminder that localization is about connection. When you make your audience feel seen and understood, they’ll embrace your brand as their own. What’s your favorite example of a brand that feels local to you?