When to Use Flash?

Do you feel weird asking yourself this question? Of course you would if you’ve met many clients demanding to have something done in Flash and it becomes worst when they’d like their whole website to be done in Flash.

Ironic as it might seem thinking I shouldn’t be complaining since Flash work does cost more than normal static HTML work, I think too many have abused Flash in many devilish and unfulfilling ways. Especially when the client doesn’t really need it and realize it.

So when do I use Flash? Well, good question because I haven’t asked any of my clients to do a full Flash website thus far or recommend to have any Flash in their project.

Reason being is because I don’t see how Flash will provide additional help or value to their clients or users. There isn’t much to worry since the number of Flash users have been increasing. But what benefit do you bring to the website by implementing only a navigation made in Flash.

Sure, it moves and reacts with the hover of a mouse. But other than that, what other information is shared from that single element? What can that animated Flash button do more than just move and act futuristic?

If it were a hospital’s website or an NGO website, what is that Flash button suppose to give their website? Something for the kids to play to take the pain off their minds when trying to find information regarding either website?

Flash was never introduced properly into the world of Internet. It was only presented to users as a tool to create a different and more interactive experience. But through the years, Flash websites have become less interactive especially in Malaysia. One client told me that Flash should be done for all websites because it’s the ‘norm’ now.

This is proof of how damaged are our clients assumptions of a valuable website today in Malaysia and it’s painful seeing so many clients not really understanding the appreciated value they could get from their website.

So where and when would I use Flash in a client’s website?

It’d be something that can’t be done normally as an animated image, using CSS alone or requires too much time writing the DOM. Acceptable circumstances is when the client demands for it no matter what you say.

Flash should be used as a medium to present something and make that a concentrated point or to improve the user experience. It should be a media to aid the presentation of an important item and invoke interactive behaviour to continuously create an interest of discovrery or help guide a user in a richer way.

A fine example of the future in using Flash is Using Flash as an Underlayer.

As much as Flash is becoming a norm found in websites, we as consultants still have the decision and chance to provide our clients with a more effective and valuable website.

When was the last time you used Flash and for what reason?