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Design Rule #1: Page transitions should be short. Statistics show that web site viewers will wait about 8 seconds for an image or flash file to load on a web site. Any longer can annoy some visitors. A professionally designed flash site will be exciting and interactive, yet not annoying to visitors.
Design Rule #2: A proper flash designed site will indicate the current location within the menu or web page. This serves as a visual cue that helps visitors know where they are within your web site.
Design Rule #3: Moving or rotating flash navigation buttons that the visitor has to catch with the mouse are not considered professional or acceptable navigation systems for any flash site. They confuse and irritate most site visitors.
Rule #4: The flash buttons should not have to be pressed or required to have a mouse over to indicate what they are for. Flash navigation buttons that do not indicate or reveal their function are not user friendly. Clearly understood icons in the design are sometimes acceptable but actual text is the best policy when it comes to your web site buttons.
Design Rule #5: Flash Introductions have rules as well. Careful design consideration should be given if you want a flash intro for your web site. For some industries and technology companies a well produced flash intro is a great way to introduce a new visitor to the web site and company, but remember you also will have repeat visitors your web site. Rules for flash web site intros include: Offer the visitor an opportunity to enter the web site directly (i.e., skip the intro); if they select to 'view flash intro', offer them a way out (another skip option while the intro is playing); keep the length of the flash intro to a maximum of 30 seconds. (Note: Flash can be a wonderful tool for product presentations or an educational "how to". These flash movies can be any length needed to accomplish the task as long as the load time is minimized).
Design Rule #6: For large web sites such as this one, a true web professional will suggest and offer a combination of flash and html pages within your site. This will greatly enhance the visitor's navigation, book marking, and load time. It can also enhance your search engine positioning. We can do both.
Design Rule #7: If your web site has a page or pages that require frequent updates a web professional will include as many easily editable pages as you need in addition to the flash site itself. This greatly compliments your web site and reduces your ongoing expense of updating the site. Frequently edited pages should probably not be done in flash. Good examples are restaurant menus, prices, featured properties, etc. With today's technology you can edit the web site from any internet connection and no software or technical knowledge is required. Example: with our leasing solutions Flash Web Sites offers editable pages for $1.95 per month. The editing system resides with the web site and is similar to Microsoft Word. This optional web page or pages also includes an online help system, file upload and download capability, web site statistics, and more.
Design Rule #8: Music should always be optional. A professional flash design will include a mute button. During the design process a good designer can specify that the volume is to be played at a range of 0-100% of the visitors current sound setting on there computer. A good designer can also specify fade in, fade out and the number of times the loop is played and other sound options. Your web site visitors could be in a cubical with co-workers or viewing the web site while others are sleeping.
Design Rule #9: Even though a loading bar may not be exciting to look at ( they don't have to be ugly either ), a professional flash design will always include a pre-loader that indicates that the web site or flash file is loading. A design that does not indicate this leaves the visitor ready to restart their computer. Well I guess I broke it!
Design Rule #10: When it comes to forms on your web site, standard HTML web forms are best and should include an automated response from the web site indicating that the visitor's information or inquiry has been received. A professional can and will offer the most complicated html forms and auto responders. Many form elements, like radio buttons, check boxes, required content, dropdown lists and the use of the ‘Tab’ button, don’t respond in flash as they do in classic HTML forms. Your design should give your visitor what they expect.
Summary: Use professional designer for flash. When the web site or page is created with flash technology, the site can be an outstanding experience and a dazzling presentation of your company. You can out shine even your largest competition. Flash web design technique is a broad topic and cannot be fully reviewed here. A Professional designer will understand flash technology, visitor behavior, visitor preferences, search engine requirements and much more. A professional can guide you through the design process to maximize visitor satisfaction as well as your internet presence.
More Links:
Designer should offer the use of pixel fonts for clarity in the flash player.
Designer should offer a matching HTML web site option.
Designer should offer editable pages for frequently updated information.
Designer should offer client exact color selection pallets to match brand and image.
Designer should offer standard HTML forms and auto responder.
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