“Bilingual design is an information architecture problem: decide hierarchy, direction, translation length and safe space before decoration.
The specific failure
A single template often shrinks Arabic and English until neither can be scanned, or treats translation as a line-for-line swap despite different word lengths and reading directions. Numbers, unit labels and disclaimers then become ambiguous. A beautiful layout that cannot be read is not bilingual communication.
A practical decision framework
Define the message hierarchy once, then design two language states: primary language, secondary language, and shared data. Set minimum type size, line length, contrast, alignment and space for platform overlays. Do not translate a claim until its factual meaning is approved in both languages. Treat Arabic numerals, currency and measurement units as content to review, not decoration.
A clearly hypothetical property example
Implementation and measurement
Create language-specific text layers and have native reviewers test mobile screenshots, not just the source file. W3C advises avoiding text in images when possible and requiring equivalent text alternatives when text is embedded. Meta recommends safe zones for Reels; reserve them before both languages compete for space. Measure unreadable-text comments, saves, completion and translation corrections. Keep the master copy editable so a later approved fact can be changed without rebuilding the entire bilingual design.
Put it to work
- Approve the message hierarchy in both languages before styling.
- Use separate RTL and LTR layers with one shared data block.
- Test mobile screenshots with native-language reviewers.