Macromedia Flash has quickly become a staple in many web designers' tool kits.  Why?  Well, at least part of the reason is because Flash can provide a lot of features that traditional HTML cannot, such as animation and sound at what Macromedia terms a "low-bandwidth."

However, there is at least some concern that Flash is being used for the entertainment of the designer and not for the benefit of the end user.  For example, FlashZine (www.flashmagazine.com), an online resource for Flash developers, asks the question in a recent article, "Are Flashers Missing the Point?"

A couple of quotes from the article illustrate their concern.  "Most of us just want a low budget link to take them to the site, but NO, the (so called) web developer is absolutely positive that you own the latest flash plug-in and now gives you the endless loading procedure for the site."  "Most of the time you don't even know what site you've entered.  What are the site objectives?  What is the fastest way to get to your desired information?  All those things the web has the reputation for being so good at, lost in the haze."

So with that said, why are we promoting Flash development?  Because in the right circumstances, it can absolutely be the right answer to your needs.  Online training is one example where flash can truly shine.  Another is in dealing with a large number of graphics, such as an online art gallery.  And sometimes, web sites are created with fun in mind, and flash can certainly deliver there.

However, the above article concludes with some advice for flash developers which should be heeded:

1. Assume that your users don't have any flash plug-ins.  Always use HTML for your home page and give users the option of using flash or HTML for your site.

2. Keep loading times as short as possible, because "people on the web are less patient than people in a (traffic) jam."

3. Don't over-animate navigation; this needs to be clear and easily accessible.

4. Avoid too much movement and too many splashy colors, as these tend to annoy the user.

5. Avoid underlying music.  If you can't help but using that techno sounding loop you just downloaded, at least provide a mute button.

6. Provide a non-flash site map to keep users from abandoning you completely.

If you follow the above rules, you should keep all your users, both flash and non-flash, happy.  Click here to see a sample of N-Sight Consulting's flash design work.  (The animation will open in a new window; it may take a few seconds to load, depending upon your connection speed.  When you're done, just click the box in the upper right corner to close the new window.)

If you do not see an animated image above, you may not have the current Flash plug-in installed for your browser.  Click the icon below to begin installation of the plug-in from the Macromedia web site.

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