UI & System Text Optimization

Written By Aira Mo

Last updated 11 months ago

1. Overview

Optimizing UI and system text translation ensures that interface elements, notifications, and system messages remain concise, clear, and natural while respecting character limits and usability constraints. This guide covers best practices for translating UI text while maintaining clarity and functional accuracy.

2. Goal

  • Ensure UI messages are short, clear, and natural.

  • Maintain character limits where necessary to fit UI constraints.

Example Prompt:
"Translate the following UI text into output languages while ensuring clarity and brevity within n characters."

3. Example UI Prompts and Considerations

Fantasy UI Translation:

Example Input (English):
"Quest Completed! You have earned 500 gold and a rare elixir."

Key Considerations:

  • Keep "Quest Completed" short and easy to read.

  • Ensure "gold" is recognized as an in-game currency or adapt if necessary.

  • Adapt "rare elixir" into a culturally relevant potion or magical item.

Sci-Fi UI Translation:

Example Input (English):
"Shield depleted! Recharge in the next 10 seconds."

Key Considerations:

  • If "shield" is ambiguous, consider replacing it with "energy barrier" or "defense field".

  • Keep "10 seconds" phrased naturally in the target language.

  • "Recharge" may need a technical equivalent, such as "restore integrity" or "reactivate defenses".

4. Best Practices for UI Translation

  • Prioritize brevity – Keep messages concise without losing essential meaning.

  • Respect character limits – Ensure translations fit within available UI space.

  • Preserve intent – Adapt phrasing while keeping meaning and tone intact.

  • Maintain cultural relevance – Adjust terminology to be intuitive in the target language.

5. Next Steps

Start translating now