Flash
Thinking of incorporating Flash into your site- here’s some issues to consider:
Pro:
Flash is exciting on a site- no doubt about it. It’s eye catching.
A dynamic Flash section can be used to focus a prospect on something you want them to notice.
Flash can be used to include music or video on a page.
Flash avoids other web technology display issues. It displays the same no matter which browser or resolution. This can’t be said for html/css.
Of course, the above assumes that the visitor can see the Flash. The Flash Player is a plug in to the browser not necessarily included. However, the Adobe site does claim that “Adobe® Flash® Player is the world’s most pervasive software platform, reaching 98% of Internet-enabled desktops in mature markets as well as a wide range of devices. “ (stats as of March 2007)
Con:
On a fully flash site, your visitors cannot use the back button on their browsers unless the Flash designer works this in. It’s also difficult for your visitors to bookmark a particular page.
Site cannot easily be indexed and tracked for SEO unless you provide for this with additional html or embed Flash sections into html content.
Useless Flash intro’s (splash page) that are too long, or take too long to load or don’t have a Skip button can drive people away from your site even before they’ve gotten into it.
Loud pulsing music with no volume or off controls can turn people away.
Visitors should be given alternative content for those who are not running Flash or don’t have the Flash plug in.
Accessibility is another issue.
Screen readers * cannot scan Flash movies. You’ll need to provide alternative content if you are required by law or want to serve the market that uses screen readers.
Bottom Line:
Key question: What is the purpose of the site and how would dynamics of Flash enhance that purpose?
Like anything, Flash is a tool that can be used well or badly. Think through where dynamically changing content would be useful in a business sense or where it would further the objectives of the site.
* A Screen Reader is the commonly used name for Voice Output Technology. Hardware and software produce synthesized voice output for text displayed on the computer screen, as well as for keystrokes entered on the keyboard.
(Source:http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&defl=en&q=define:Screen+Readers&sa=X&oi=glossary_definition&ct=title)
Marie Kolanda
HTML Developer/Project Manager/Designer
Central Mass Web Design, Inc.
Gardner, MA
978-632-5300 Ext. 114
Where we care about your business, and it shows
Tags: cons, flash, flash pros and cons, pros, search engine optimization