Localizing a Patient Scale/Survey App for the Korean Market

Background: Increasing Need for Korean Market Localization

Global mobile app companies are increasingly seeking localization support for the Korean market. To address this trend, we're showcasing a recent successful case of localizing a patient scale/survey app for Korean patients.

The mobile app was initially developed in English and used by clinical trial participants/patients to respond to scales and surveys. However, localization was essential to meet Korean legal requirements, cultural norms, and privacy expectations.

The Need for Localization

The app serves as a daily response tool for clinical trial participants and patients. Its translation needed to:

Be linguistically accurate and culturally appropriate for Korean users.
Align with Korean legal requirements related to privacy and data protection.
Enable ease of use for patients completing responses.

MediTrans' Solution: A Customized Localization Strategy

To address these needs, MediTrans developed and implemented a tailored localization strategy focused on user experience and compliance:

Customized Functionality Design

We optimized the app's features to allow participants and patients to respond to surveys/scales relevant to their symptoms easily and intuitively.

Cultural Nuance Integration

Rather than literal translations, we localized language nuances to align with the Korean cultural context, ensuring the app felt natural and familiar to Korean users.

Legal Compliance

MediTrans comprehensively reviewed Korean clinical trial and healthcare data protection laws, including GDPR-equivalent privacy requirements. Data management and processing protocols were strictly evaluated to ensure full compliance.

Key Steps in the Localization Process

Initial User Testing

We conducted internal testing to evaluate both app functionality and translation quality. This allowed us to identify user pain points and make necessary adjustments to optimize user experience.

Translation of User Manuals

MediTrans translated the user manuals alongside the app to ensure ease of use. This helped clinical trial participants and patients better understand the app's functionality and minimize any user confusion.

QA and Screenshot Comparison

After translation, our team conducted a thorough QA process by testing the app and comparing it to the original English version. This ensured translations were accurate, culturally appropriate, and free from user experience inconsistencies.

Results: Successful Localization with Tangible Benefits

The systematic approach led to successful localization that empowered both clinical trial participants and research teams:

✅ Patients responded to scales and surveys with greater ease and convenience.

✅ Clinical trial teams and medical professionals collected data more efficiently.

This case represents a successful example of how MediTrans' expertise in translation and localization strategies can meet the specific needs of the Korean healthcare market while supporting global businesses' goals.

Key Takeaways

Cultural Adaptation Enhances User Experience
By incorporating cultural nuances, the app felt intuitive and easy to use for Korean patients.
Compliance Is Crucial
Meeting Korea's stringent privacy and legal standards required meticulous attention to detail.
Collaboration + Expertise = Results
Combining MediTrans' linguistic expertise, cultural insights, and strategic localization allowed the app to launch successfully.

Conclusion: Meeting Global Market Demands with Local Expertise

This project demonstrated how MediTrans' strategic, user-focused approach to translation and localization can help global companies meet local market needs while enhancing clinical trial efficiency and patient data collection.

If you need help adapting your application or solutions to new markets, MediTrans is ready to support you with precision, expertise, and experience.

MediTrans prioritizes confidentiality by signing an NDA with clients. This case is based on a real example, but the client name and project details have been changed.