Internationalization

Users of our design system can modify their implementation to build experiences that work everywhere by allowing users to complete journeys in their preferred language and locale. The guidelines below consider languages that use different alphabets, spacing, word length, and right-to-left reading direction.

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Accessibility Best Practices

When making localization adjustments to our components and semantics, it is important to maintain our standards of accessibility.

Below are a few considerations to take into account when designing for internationalization with accessibility in mind.

Do this
  • Translate alt text and Aria labels
  • Consider semantic meaning for all components, imagery, and iconography
  • Ensure color contrast still meets accessibility standards
  • Reference Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG)
  • Ensure language is available in the code for screen readers
  • Provide the lang attribute on the html per page or module
  • Consider RTL for custom components
Don’t do this
  • Make changes to DLS components without confirming the component is still following accessibility guidelines
  • Change colors or icons without ensuring you are aware of a local semantics in the region you are designing for

Resources

  1. Brand Inclusive Marketing Framework
  2. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG)

Questions?

Connect with the DLS Team on Slack or by email.

Resources

Check out additional resources.