Manual and Package Translation Examples

Overview of Software Product Packaging

This is the creation of Microsoft products such as Windows and Office packages that are lined up in home appliance stores.
In Japan, there are over 300 components for software product packages sold annually. The variations of components such as the software product package itself, DVD label, included manual, and stickers are diverse. The basic design is deployed worldwide, but it is not simply a matter of replacing English with Japanese. It is necessary to incorporate Japan-specific compliance and sales points into the product package.

Request from Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd.

・Understanding of US specifications and Japanese unique agreements
In order to make an impression as a new product, the shape of the package will be completely renewed for the new product.
First, it is necessary to understand the specifications of the design provided from the United States. Then, it is necessary to confirm the Japanese unique compliance for each component (such as recycling marks and agreement wording) and reconstruct the layout suitable for the Japanese market while following the design from the United States. Of course, there must be no mistakes in the information provided.

・Efficient Project Management
New products must make an impact on the market by being released simultaneously worldwide. It is essential to have them on store shelves by the date of the press release. With multiple product projects happening simultaneously, it is necessary to prioritize and make sure all production tasks are completed without any delays.

・One-stop production system
The process takes time to print overseas. In order to meet the release date, it is necessary for the vendor to respond quickly and flexibly while simultaneously developing the product and creating the packaging. Due to these constraints, we were looking for a company with the capacity to cover all product groups, as translation, layout design, and DTP editing can be done by one company, and the specifications of the product group are closely related.

・Translation Quality
When writing sales copy and translating attached manuals included in packages, it is necessary to provide consumers with easy-to-understand and persuasive language, while also considering compliance and avoiding expressions that may cause misunderstandings.

・Confidential Information Management
And as an absolute necessity, product information must not be leaked before release. If information were to leak from the package or label before release, it could lead to a major problem. We needed a cooperative company that could respond to such numerous requests.

Human Science Solutions

・On-site (dispatch) work at customer business locations

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

・Assign strong translators and DTP editors to package products

In DTP editing at Human Science, the main focus is on creating standard manuals and instruction manual pages, but for this project, we have assigned a DTP editor with strong commercial design skills. Additionally, we have secured translators with expertise in fields that require catchy and accurate translations, such as marketing materials.

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

We focused on file management because we have to manage a large number of files. In DTP, we use InDesign macros to streamline our work and reduce human errors. In particular, proofreading requires meticulous accuracy, so we also use multiple checking tools to not rely solely on human eyes.
Since the security level was at the highest level, we prepared a security room where only workers with permission can enter, and also prepared a dedicated printer within the company.

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

Japanese Translation Localization

Voice of Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd.

"It has been over 3 years since we started placing large orders with Human Science Co. At first, there were areas for improvement in both translation and DTP, but they always provided careful solutions and implemented them reliably in the following projects. DTP errors are a major concern due to their impact on schedule and cost, but during the flagship product launch, they achieved the remarkable feat of "0" errors."

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

From Human Science representative

When this project starts, the team enters the security room and works together. Because of this, close teamwork is crucial during this period. It is impressive to see the packaged products we created lined up on store shelves. It is truly a moment when all the hard work of production pays off.

Related Services

Localization