Download Chapter 8

The Web Wizard’s Guide to Flash
by Michael Kay
Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.
Chapter 8 – Slide 1
CHAPTER 8
The Flash Experience
Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.
Chapter 8 – Slide 2
Chapter Objectives





Understand when and when not to use
Flash
Get orientated to the usability process
Discuss the design flow for a project
Provide a checklist of design practices to
follow
Point the way to improving skills
Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.
Chapter 8 – Slide 3
The Scope of a Project




Not every web site is right for Flash
Look at where Flash could enrich the site
and where it may detract
Consider other strategies such as traditional
HTML and JavaScript
There is no single rule for what is
appropriate: look at the goals of the web site
Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.
Chapter 8 – Slide 4
Advantages of Flash







Easy to use
Precise control over type and composition
When used effectively, Flash loads fast
Vector-based: saves file size and scalable
A medium for rich interactivity
A well-know standard
Not dependent on specific browser type
Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.
Chapter 8 – Slide 5
Disadvantages of Flash






Requires a plug-in
Text isn’t searchable like HTML text
Limited accessibility for disabled people
(but this is improving)
Layout is not flexible like HTML
Does not integrate well with other
elements on an HTML page
Does not work well with web browser’s
back button and bookmark features
Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.
Chapter 8 – Slide 6
Design for Your Audience





Does a tree fall in the woods if no one hears it?
Does a web page need to exist if not one can
use it?
Usability is the process of developing
something that your audience (users) can use
Listen to your users
User-centered design can include scientific
testing or informal observations
A usable site does not have to be a dull site – it
can even be more fun to use
Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.
Chapter 8 – Slide 7
User-Centric Strategies







Heuristics are general guidelines to consider
Get feedback from colleagues
Understand the intent of the web site and the
makeup of the audience
Create user profiles and scenarios
Conduct user tests to learn about what
works and doesn’t work; and why
Your client is a resource
Smaller projects can use simpler processes
Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.
Chapter 8 – Slide 8
Working in Iterations





Start loose with sketches and storyboards
Build a rough prototype first
Get feedback from colleagues, users, and
the client at each stage of the process
Refine the movie, get more feedback, and
refine it again
Publish the movie on the web and test it
again “live”
Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.
Chapter 8 – Slide 9
Good Flash Practices (1)





Separate key parts of the movie into separate
SWF files and HTML pages
Provide clear navigation back home and to key
areas
Design an interface that your audience
understands
If printing is important, use the print() function
Look at the context of the Flash movie amongst
the rest of a web page and the site
Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.
Chapter 8 – Slide 10
Good Flash Practices (2)





Test how the movie downloads and plays over
a slower Internet connection
Use plug-in detection to provide content for
everyone
Avoid gratuitous animations or “splash” pages
Provide HTML alternative for informational
web sites
Give the user control over background music,
unessential information, and pop-up windows
Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.
Chapter 8 – Slide 11
The Road to Flash Mastery







Practice makes perfect
Collaborate with others
Join online communities
Consult resources
Practice good practices
Never be afraid to try something new
Do some planning, but not too much
Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.
Chapter 8 – Slide 12