Human–computer interface design issues for a multi-cultural and multi-lingual English speaking country — Botswana

Abstract

This paper reports on research carried out to determine whether a localised interface is preferred by users in a multi-cultural and multi-lingual country where a non-local language is nationally used,. We attempted to discover whether local symbols are more acceptable to users as icons and also whether the current phrases used in menus and icon descriptions are clearly understood by the various communities. A survey was conducted nation-wide among computer end-users in Botswana. The results indicate an overwhelming desire from users for a localised interface. However, there appears to be little need for localised icons and no agreement as to which language to use for text-based interfaces.