Did UserVoice Write the Software They Use to Manage Their Translations?

Yes, UserVoice did write the software they use to manage their translations. This homegrown solution addresses the pain points of paid translation services, such as being expensive, ineffective, and needing constant updates. In this article, we will explore how UserVoice developed their in-house translation management system and how it benefits both users and the company.

Challenges with Traditional Translation Services

UserVoice, a company that relies heavily on translations for its global user base, found that traditional translation services were not meeting their needs. These services were:

Significantly expensive Often of subpar quality REquiring constant updates whenever new features or content were added

The frustration with these services was especially pronounced when UserVoice's users offered to translate the app. However, this involved a manual and cumbersome process, including dealing with text files and custom HTML coding, which proved to be inefficient and time-consuming.

Richard White’s Weekend Hack

Richard White, UserVoice's CEO, decided to take matters into his own hands. One weekend, he devoted time to building a system that would allow customers to submit translations more easily. This system not only streamlined the translation process but also integrated seamlessly with UserVoice's existing infrastructure.

The new system was designed to:

Allow users to submit translations at their convenience Enable the company to quickly approve and publish the translations Ensure that users are notified when new strings are added so they can promptly translate them

Integrating the Translation Management System into UserVoice’s Workflow

The new translation management system is deeply integrated into UserVoice's workflows, making it easy and efficient for everyone involved. Here’s how it works:

Customer Submission: Customers can easily submit translations through the interface. This ensures that the translations are accurate and relevant to their usage experience.

Approval Process: UserVoice’s team can quickly approve or reject the translations, focusing on spam detection using Google Translate as a preliminary filter. This reduces the workload and ensures that only high-quality translations are published.

Publishing translations: Verified translations are published to the app within a few hours, ensuring that the user experience remains consistent and updated.

Real-time Notifications: When new strings are added to the app, translators are promptly notified, allowing them to keep up with the latest content and ensure all strings are translated.

Benefits of the Homegrown Translation System

The new translation management system has brought numerous benefits to both UserVoice and its users:

Significantly reduced costs compared to traditional translation services Improved quality of translations, thanks to user input and continuous improvements Enhanced customer engagement, as users can contribute to the app in meaningful ways Increased language support, with 40 languages now available Flexibility for users to change content, fostering a sense of ownership and community

Continuous Improvements and Community Support

UserVoice continues to improve the translation management system, constantly refining it to address user feedback and technical challenges. The system has evolved from a simple weekend hack into a robust, scalable solution that supports UserVoice’s global expansion.

Additionally, the company is deeply grateful for the efforts of its volunteer translators. The system has enabled the company to maintain a high standard of translations while involving the community in the process. This collaborative approach has resulted in a more engaged and satisfied user base, with a greater appreciation for the multilingual nature of the app.

In conclusion, UserVoice's decision to build its own translation management system has proven to be a wise move, bringing significant benefits to the company and its users. By leveraging the power of user input and modern technology, UserVoice continues to provide an excellent user experience in multiple languages, setting a new standard for translation management in the industry.