Flash....

[craig]

Flash can indeed be used effectively.

I believe that it is most effective when used in conjunction with a xhtml and css website. Flash increases the interactivity for viewers and so therefore in some instances can create a better experience for the visitor. I don't agree with 100% flash sites, I think that if used subtly flash and xhtml compliment each other very well.

There was a classic example that Rob all brought to our attention in the Site of the Month competition. This had both a flash website and a html website that were nearly identical - http://www.tangozebra.com

This is a great use of flash, it shows of their skills with both interactivity and user experience, and it also shows they can produce a site which is accessible for screenreaders, those who rely on have to increase font size and the such like.

Simply put, flash indeed does have its drawbacks with usability, accessibilty and SEO. I know a lot has happened at Macromedia to introduce more accessible features but they really cant replace xhtml and css.

In conclusion a site that is developed professionally around a xhtml/css base but with an enhanced flash user experience is great. What flash developers tend to forget though is to incorporate critical html elements for previously mentioned reasons.

Craig

[sypher]

Maybe now you can install the flash plugin...

[minute44]

You make some good points.

It's just a shame you didn't make them earlier, have done with it and save yourself not only the embarrasment but also a 3 day ban.

[craig]

Originally Posted by sypher

Maybe now you can install the flash plugin...

I do have the flash plugin, just not on the computer I was on (at work)...
There are some instances which prohibit you from downloading stuff, like at work, they can easily administor whether to accept downloads, therefore, in an ideal situation, you shouldn't rely on the user to have to download anything.

[spinal007]

I've seen that site before....

I believe it's one of the best I've ever seen. Brings a tear to my eye! I keep switching between html, text and flash waiting for something to go wron but it just doesn't! LOL

[minute44]

I have to say with all this hype I was expecting something truely spectacular... Boy was I barking up the wrong tree.. lol


The site is good, don't get me wrong. the fact that you can switch between flash and HTML seemlessly only proves one thing to me though... That the flash version is unnecessary. If it can be displayed perfectly well in html then why bother at all with flash? That's the way I see it in this particular case. Feel free to tell me if I'm wrong.

[spinal007]

Originally Posted by minute44

the fact that you can switch between flash and HTML seemlessly only proves one thing to me though... That the flash version is unnecessary.

Dude, I've been exercising my philosophical mind lately and I've really been thinking about this...

There's 2 types of people in our line of work, engineers and architects.
Engineers are like you and I. We want things to work. We love it when they seemlessly do the little things that make life easier.

The bloody architects are the ones that create more problems for the engineers by trying to make everything look nice.

I've always had my mind set that the world didn't need architects. Who cares what something looks like if it does what it's meant to do? BUT, I've been thinking, if somethings works and it looks nice, then it's no harm. If anything it makes it better...


Moving away from the philosophical crap, I agree that there's no "need" for the flash version, but wouldn't you say it's nice to have something that is just as functional and yet, more pleasing to use.

[minute44]

I'm all for things looking their best but creating a flash version and a HTML version that look Identical except for some minor animation features just seems a bit silly. It's like buying a Porsche and then buying the exact same model again but with different colour stitching in the steering wheel and gear knob.

[spinal007]

Yeah... I wouldn't do it myself...
But if there's people out there willing to do it, it doesn't cost you any extra and it just basically gives you the option, then by all means, I hope they go ahead and do it...

Just don't come runing to the engineer when the pretty car's engine blows... lol

[Legacy_Staff]

I found some of the buttons don't work on the html version.... must be the Boxter.

[minute44]

Originally Posted by RedSkwirrell

I found some of the buttons don't work on the html version.... must be the Boxter.

ROFLMAO!!!!!!