Manual and Package Translation Examples

Overview of Software Product Package Creation

Creation of packages for Microsoft products such as Windows and Office that are lined up in electronics retail stores.
The components of software product packages sold in Japan amount to over 300 annually. The variations of materials include the software product package itself, DVD labels, included manuals, stickers, and more. While the basic design originates from the U.S. and is deployed worldwide, it is not simply a matter of replacing English with Japanese. It is necessary to incorporate Japan-specific compliance and selling points into the product packaging.

Request from Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd.

・Understanding US Specifications and Japan's Unique Regulations
To create an impression of being a new product, the packaging shape will be completely renewed for the new product.
First, it is necessary to understand the design specifications provided from the US. Then, for each component, it is essential to check Japan's unique compliance (such as recycling marks and regulatory wording) and to reconstruct a layout suitable for the Japanese market while following the US design. Of course, there must be no mistakes in the listed information.

- Reliable Progress Management
New products must make an impact on the market by being launched simultaneously worldwide. It is essential that they are available in stores on the date specified in the press release. As multiple product projects are carried out concurrently, it is necessary to devise ways to proceed with production without omissions while appropriately prioritizing tasks.

・One-stop production system
The process for printing overseas takes time. To ensure the release date is strictly adhered to, it is necessary for vendors to respond quickly and flexibly while progressing with package production alongside product development. Due to these constraints, we were looking for a company that can provide one-stop services for translation, layout design, and DTP editing, with the capacity to cover all product lines, as the specifications of the product groups are closely related.

・Translation Quality
In the writing of sales copy listed in the package and the translation of attached manuals, it is necessary to create text that is easy for consumers to understand and appealing, while also considering compliance and avoiding expressions that may lead to misunderstandings.

Confidential Information Management
It is absolutely essential that product information does not leak before its release. If information leaks from pre-release packages or labels left on the printer, it could lead to significant problems. We needed partner companies that could respond to numerous such requests.

Solutions of Human Science

・On-site (dispatch) work at the client's business location

To respond to many customer requests, we first stationed our project manager on-site at Microsoft's office for about a year and a half to learn the work environment and quality standards.
By communicating directly with the personnel responsible for granting approval, we were able to learn in detail the workflow until product shipment approval is granted.

Assign strong translators and DTP editors for packaged products

In human science DTP editing, the focus is on the layout of standard manuals and instruction manuals, but for this project, we assigned a DTP editor with strong commercial design skills. Additionally, since we needed translators who are catchy and precise, especially for marketing materials, we also secured translators who excel in those areas.

・Quality management through tool utilization and work in the security room

We focused on file management because we had to manage a vast number of files. In DTP, we used InDesign macros to streamline our work and reduce human errors. Especially in proofreading, where meticulous accuracy is required, we employed multiple checking tools to avoid relying solely on human eyes.
Since the security level was the highest, we prepared a security room that only authorized personnel could enter, along with a dedicated printer.

For detailed information related to this case, please see below.

Japanese Translation Localization

Voice of Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd.

It has been over three years since we started placing large orders with Human Science. Initially, there were areas for improvement in both translation and DTP, but each time, they provided careful solutions, and in the next project, they reliably implemented the suggested work. Errors in DTP are a major concern due to their significant impact on schedule and cost, but during the flagship product, they achieved the remarkable feat of having "0" errors.

Translation of product packaging, although small in quantity, is the first thing that customers see, so knowledge and a sense of Microsoft products are required. There are not many vendors that can handle schedule management, translation, DTP, quality control, and arrangement for our software package products all in one stop.

From Human Science representatives

Once this project starts, the team works together in the security room. Because of this, close teamwork is very important during this period. It is truly impressive to see the packaged products we created lined up in stores. It is indeed a moment that makes all the hard work in production worthwhile.

Related Services

Localization