The Scene Behind
Recently web have become more multimedia oriented than in its early days. While in some domains the new technologies work and prove successful. On the other hand, flash just makes browsing more time consuming. Here I point out the drawbacks of using Flash as well as give some pointers on how to better use it.
Flash is trendiest technology currently used in web design. Nearly everyone ranging from beginners to experienced web designers learn how to create and implement Flash in their websites. There is a chance that when the web will become more of a WebTV and multimedia show, Flash will replace almost completely the HyperText Markup Language (HTML). Flash has been the "releaser of energy" for all the trendy web designers on the Internet because it allowes them to express more of what they wanted to say. Soon, Flash has literally taken over thousands of websites. While Flash can be successfully used in web sites with profiles in music, multimedia, online games, interactive activities etc, on most sites Flash is used for the sake of using it and raises serious issues for users. Top notch professional developers & designers avoid flash though it adds some extra bounce. Why? On slow Internet connections such as dial up the flash page loads over a long period or doesn't. Flash is not bandwidth friendly and many designers do not create Flash files bearing this issue in mind. Users on slow connections have to wait a fair bit of time before the web page with Flash loads. Again to see flash pages you need Flash Player - Plugin to be installed in your system. There are still many users who do not have the Flash player installed and they can't se the pages. If they are not so advanced then the installation is also a tricky job for them. It is not fair to exclude these users from using a website for the sake of design. Design and all the technologies employed in creating it, should aid users in finding the information they seek not slow them down in doing so.
Reaction of audience to Flash
There are mixed opinions regarding Flash web sites. When average people are presented a Flash website they are compelled by the visuals, motion and sound. They appreciate its "good looks" and again we, the designers cannot deny that Flash design looks good. When average people look for information through search engines, links from other sites or their own bookmarks, Flash annoys them. It makes them wait an extra 1, 2 or 5 minutes before they get to the information they seek and they're likely to move to another site where that doesn't happen. If in the first instance people like and appreciate the visual appeal of Flash, in the second instance they would rather not encounter it. This is a very important point that Flash designers should take account of.
Then Why Do People Ask For Flash Websites?
Some people want Flash websites because they've seen their competitors, friends or family using Flash in their websites and want to have good looking sites like them too. However, they overlook the fact that when searching for information on the web they would probably skip a Flash website. Flash is a trend. If the neighbor's got it I've got to have it too. Flash is good for personal portfolio, group site, presentation. Search engines skip flsh sites while their bots visit world wide web.
Flash and Accessibility issues
Unfortunately, alternate browsers have not reached the point where they can properly read Flash files. Flash files often do not contain just images in motion but also text. Screen readers, voice browsers and other alternate browsers cannot retrieve such information. Flash is often used because it's visually compelling. Visually disabled users are unable to enjoy or appreciate the visuals and the animation like average people do. Special care must be taken when designing with Flash and considering accessibility issues.
Pointers for Flash designers
Do not create website entirely in Flash. You will shut out a big percentage of your users. If you must, then a HTML version of the site is preferred as well. Again if you are using flash sites for your business then probably you are thrown away by all the major search engines.
About the author:
Mr. Arnab Ghosh is from Kolkata,India - has good experience of internet, web development, seo & web design since 2000. Now he runs his own webdesign & web development company named Mod Studio India at Calcutta,India which can be viewed at http://www.modstudioindia.com. Webmasters will find out loads of helpful utilities & resources there.
