copyright © 2003 pearson education, inc. chapter 8 – slide 1 by michael kay the web wizard’s...
TRANSCRIPT
Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. Chapter 8 – Slide 1
by Michael Kay
The Web Wizard’s Guide to Flash
Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. Chapter 8 – Slide 2
CHAPTER 8The Flash Experience
Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. Chapter 8 – Slide 3
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 4
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 5
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 6
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 7
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 8
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 9
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 10
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 11
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 12
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