Reference project

Centralized terminology management for Volkswagen

The use of consistent terms and formulations is a decisive factor for comprehensible and recognizable product communication - from websites and apps to user manuals. This also saves companies time and money. And they even reduce liability risks. However, it is precisely this consistency when creating content that is a major challenge in a large corporation like Volkswagen with many interdisciplinary and external teams. Fortunately, there is a solution: centralized terminology management.

The challenge

Standardized terminology in over 30 languages

Volkswagen sells its vehicles with the associated apps and websites in over 30 markets worldwide. To ensure that all user interface and website texts are consistent, Volkswagen commissioned us to analyze existing and redesign and manage its future translation and coordination processes. In addition, existing terminology from various sources was to be consolidated - with the aim of ensuring consistent and stringent terminology for all digital front-ends in the long term. The same applied to the consistent consideration of local market conditions and customer needs.

Our solution

Optimal tools, targeted management and market coordination

After analysing the terminology inventory and the existing process landscape in close collaboration with the stakeholders (including UX writers, product managers and employees from marketing and the vehicle departments), we defined and optimized efficient workflows with semi-automated processes. For new terms, we first focus on the precise coordination and definition of the source terms in German. In collaboration with the stakeholders in the target markets, these are then translated into English and all other languages. To optimize the management and use of terminology, we rely on modern tools that not only seamlessly incorporate the solutions used to date, but even supplement them.

The result

Stringent terminology and maximum user acceptance

Thanks to the consolidation of the terminology pool and the central, tool-supported management, all stakeholders have access to the correct terminology for research at all times. This allows synergy effects between different teams to be used effectively and guarantees a professional presence in all target markets. The consistent use of uniform terminology in the digital front ends also ensures greater acceptance among customers.