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When JV Media Design was formed, the year was 1995 and the Internet was a very
different place than it is today.
The first websites we created used simple layouts, a modest amount of graphics,
standard "web safe" colors, and no javascript. This was all done in
an attempt to create websites that worked well with the browsers of the time
(namely, Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator).
As the years went by, technology rapidly changed, and so did the web. Soon
enough, javascript was standard procedure to create "roll over" effects
on buttons, to scroll text, and lots more. Web pages got more graphically intense,
and using audio and Flash was a brand new frontier.
Ten years have now passed and keeping up with the technology and trends is
still a major priority for us. When it was once unheard of to include Flash
in web pages, it is now become standard practice. But there is such a thing
as "too much of a good thing".
We strive to create web pages that blend technologies together to create the
best user experience. When it was once accepted to incorporate a Flash "splash"
page on a site, it is now looked upon as an extraneous step that most visitors
will click through. Attention spans have shortened to a mere matter of seconds
on the web, and putting your uses through a Flashy presentation just to have
a "wow" factor can be more detrimental than beneficial.
So the main factor in considering Flash technology for your website is: "will
it enhance my website?" In order to answer this question you must consider
your target market. For instance, you are a rock band. You need to convey a
certain "image" and your design can be more creative and exciting
than if you are a Real Estate Agent. Try surfing the web and see what others
have done with their sites. Also, your designer should be able to guide you
in what will work and what will not.
Keep in mind that there is still a large enough percentage of Internet users
accessing the web at "dial up" speeds. If you do choose to utilize
Flash, make sure you do not lose potential visitors by making them wait through
a long, boring loading screen. Most people surf the web to access information.
Just because you can design a very complicated Flash presentation, doesn't mean
that you should.
If you have any questions, we would be happy to help you out!
About the Author:
JV Media Design is a full service web, graphic and multimedia design studio
located in Southern California. |
