Flash Layouts 2.0 for Web Design and Development
Flash has become very common in web development and Flash isn't going away anytime soon. Will Flash take over the other web languages? Will Flash be the only web application in the future? Nobody knows the answers to these questions but it is safe to say, NO. There are many things that you need from a coding language. There are some elements that Flash hasn't grabbed a hold of. All of the biggest successful website are coded and then have embedded Flash interaction, advertising, layouts and applications.
Flash Layouts are Tools for Web Development
For those you like doing animations and have full website design capability, use some Flash. There are many opportunities for 2.0 Flash Layouts. There are some things you should keep in mind when creating your Flash website. Remember even that you are using Flash as a tool for web development, you still have a website. Your visitors might react differently at their first impression, but after the first impression, they all react the same way.
Some Elements of Web Design
As like a coded webpage, your layouts needs to be simple. Usability is one of your priorities. You user might be impressed with the cool animations and sound effects. But they are looking for information and content. If your Flash website can't deliver that to them, they are going to leave. Here are couple of things to check with your Flash website.
Simplicity
Make your website incredibly easy to navigate and function. Visitors are looking for content and information. Visitors don't want to be a webpage for a long time. Make it easy to find what their looking for and they will come back for more.
Intro Movies
This is common for a Flash website, not sure why though. Intro Movies are a waste of time. You spend more hours making them, then people watching them. Most of your visitors are going to skip it. If you are going to do an intro movie to show some of your skill, then Make It Short.
Multiple Browsers
Test your Flash site in different browsers and as well in different operating systems. Flash reacts differently to cross browsers and operating systems. Such as Internet Explore likes to put a border around Flash objects. There are some JavaScript techniques to get around this. Make sure you do your homework.
Optimize Your Images:
Flash movies and/or application can become great in size. Make sure you are doing proper optimizing to your images and movies. Your visitors are impatient, they don't have all night. Adobe Photoshop has some optimizing techniques for your images. Photo images are best viewed in .jpg and vector based images are best viewed in .gif. Flash converter to .swf is one of the best way to post your movies.
Pre-Loaders:
There is good things about Pre-Loaders and bad things. It is a good idea to have a pre-loader if your website is large in size. Giving your visitors a cue that it could take some time gives them the options to stay or leave. A bad idea of a pre-loader is when you have them all over your website. If your website needs a pre-loader for your navigation, header, body and footer, you should re-think how your doing things.
Keep clear of Common Mistakes
These are some of the most common mistakes that are included in flash layouts. Some web developers agree with them, some don't. Either way, if you steer away from all of these mistakes, your website will look better, feel better and your visitors will enjoy it better. There are ways around some of these mistakes, just think through the whole situation before making your decision.
