Localization Tool - Jira Extension

Overview

For internal content operation members that need to translate and deliver comic content in a tight timeframe, Jira Localization Tool is a translation system that allows them to translate and typeset more effectively.

Unlike using conventional graphic design tools like Photoshop, Jira Localization Tool is built specifically for comics. It offers cloud-based central storage for raw and localized content that allows users to work from anywhere while still protecting intellectual property.

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Recap

Late 2018, we looked into the industry's comic localization process and sought to establish that capability for ourselves. We hired new personnels and formed a localization team within our existing content team, with the task of localizing comics licensed from Korean and Chinese publishers. As we are totally newbies when it comes to comic localization, these new members brought with them their own experience and knowledge. We would watch them handle the raw materials, use specialist tools to manage translation terms, photoshop to edit the comic pages,... and based on it to create own our custom solution.

Our localization team make use Excel to translate and Photoshop to typeset, among other tools. And to tie it all together, they use Jira to manage their projects in one place. Jira helps them recruit members and keep track of chapter progress.

We know that we want to create a all-in-one solution that would replace all these tools, but we need to take it one step at a time. So we decided to tackle the translate and typeset process, and leave the project management to Jira. Therefore, our solution is a Jira Extension called Jira Localization Tool.

Jira Localization Tool was our cloud-based solution for translating and typesetting comics. It was to be used by our internal localization team with the aim to improve efficiency and collaboration. It stores data in the cloud, allowing content members to work from anywhere. It removes the need to install and use Photoshop. Overall, it drastically increase efficiency.

After several rounds of research, ideation, and discussion, I executed the design in Sketch, with Material Design as the design system. The product was launched to the internal localization ops team of 2 project managers and 10 on-site freelancers at the end of 2018. In 6 months, they were able to localize over 50 titles.