Document Translation: Numeric Callouts Eliminate the Need for Redoing Graphics

I was reading Tom Johnson's article "Does Translation Mean You Should Omit Illustrations?". In his article, Tom states, "...visual communication is problematic. If you’re translating the document into 10 languages, every screenshot you use requires translation as well."

I think one thing that needs to be mentioned here about illustrations that need to be used for audiences of different languages is the effective use of numeric callouts. Numeric callouts obviate the need to translate text embedded in the graphic - much like the kind you see here.

The method behind using numeric callouts is to label the parts of the graphic as an actual (not clickable) part of the graphic.

In a table adjacent to the figure with numeric callouts, you define the called-out items in wherever origin language you will - English, for example. When the document in which the graphic and the accompanying English-language text gets translated, there is no need to redo the graphic.