Flash Web Design

Flash is a type of vector animation that appeared as one of the first browser plug-ins to increase html functionality. Traditionally, web designers only use .gif and .jpg file types for the display of images on web pages. As these images are static, another format was needed for web animation. Flash animation is vector based, allowing for crisp, sharp lines and low download times. It allows the graphic designer to create animations combining images and text into dynamic web pages. Flash is now used as a format for the display of video, video games, menus, and software applications.

Surveys have shown that approximately 98% of web browsers have some form of a Flash plug in installed. If a user does not have Flash installed in their browser, or does not have the latest version needed to display the animation embedded in the web page, the user will be taken automatically to the page to download and install the plug in. This means that web designers can safely integrate Flash animation into their web sites without having to worry about compatibility.

The reason for creating Flash sites is to make for a more dynamic, engaging, and active web page for the user. Animated avatars can be created to act as a site guide or information agent, or integrated with AIML to provide a means of serving your product database information directly to user responses. Small icons can be made into animations to make the web page more interesting. Splash screens can be created to serve animation as a type of introduction viewed by users before they reach the main home page.

Flash can also be used as a means to play mp3s on a web site by embedding an mp3 player in the site’s pages. Youtube video may be converted automatically into flash to display within a web site’s forum, blog, or bulletin board pages. One can even create web sites that are entirely animated, with complex scripts providing transitions between pages, and opening up to unfold even more dynamic entries. Some of the most creative and engaging web sites on the internet have been created by using Flash animations, making it a favorite of web designers and graphic artists looking for a way to make their web site stand out from the crowd. It is recommended to test your Flash download times on different connections to make sure that all users will be able to access the site without delays.

Back To Main Page