Using Flash…..Don’t Commit these Mistakes

Undoubtedly nowadays Flash has become one of the most important features for any website to do well and to attract visitors. Flash can enhance your website’s appeal, attract visitors and make it more user-friendly. But if used incorrectly and insensibly, Flash can drive away your potential customers.

There are some common mistakes made in Flash that must be avoided at any cost to attract and retain your visitors. Here are some mistakes which you must not commit:

Say no to blinking text

Strictly avoid using blinking text. There is nothing cool about it. If you think that the blinking text would attract visitors, then you are mistaken. In fact, on seeing the blinking text the first reaction of your visitor would be to depart from the site.

You may know all about Flash web site templates and components and their use. But it is not at all necessary to show all your knowledge about Flash and advanced web site design in one website, unless required for promoting the web site’s purpose. So be judicious in utilizing that knowledge and stay away from creating irritants like blinking text.

Use rainbow gradient sensibly

Do not use all the shades in rainbow gradient just because you have the option to use it. Go for the shades only if they enhance the look and only if they compliment the design.

Don’t use varied background colors

Use only one background color throughout the site and stick to it. If the background color jumps from one shade to another, then it would make it really difficult for the reader to focus on the text.

Don’t use deafening sounds

Use sound in Flash where it is required and do not stuff the site with unnecessary, irritating, loud, deafening sound or incessant music. Sound should be used to make the whole presentation complete not, make the visitor look for earplugs. If you do want to incorporate sound in your animated movie or presentation, go ahead, but do include a ‘turn off button’, so that visitors can switch it off easily.

Don’t use pop-up and pop-under windows

Don’t use Flash to stuff pop-up and pop-under windows into your site. Pop-up or pop-under windows might be a great form of marketing but they are a major turn off for any visitor. In fact the immediate reaction of the visitor is typically to close the pop-up window, without even taking a look at it. And if he is unable to do that, he simply leaves the site.

Keep these tips in mind while designing an advanced web site design. As I mentioned earlier, don’t stuff the site with all the Flash templates you know. Instead use your mind and to identify the right places where Flash will enhance the appeal of the site and use it there.

4 Tips For Successful Flash Based Interactive Web Site Design

Interactive web site design holds enormous possibilities for the websites. It helps in attracting visitors and holds their interest to make them come back to the site for repeat visits. And in the process there are strong chances that a visitor would become a lead and eventually a customer.

Web 2.0 sensibilities and technologies coupled with Flash based advanced web site design processes have spawned some truly interactive websites. Talking about Flash, it is one technology which, if used carefully, can make each visit truly rewarding. Let’s see how one can make a Flash presentation in an interactive web site design truly attention grabbing.

1. Create an interesting pre-loader

In the web world first impression is the last impression. Pre loader is the first thing that a visitor gets to see. So be original and take your time to add details which will make a visitor decide in your favor even before he/she has actually visited the site.

2. Integrate it with other design elements

Don’t consider a Flash page as a canvas to showcase your creative prowess, Rather treat it as a studio where all design elements like content, navigation are seamlessly integrated to make visitors undergo cohesive and uncluttered experience.

3. Make use of the entire browser window

You should utilize the entire browser window instead of remaining limited to the area that fits within the lowest resolution. For this, apply Flash alignment components to make graphics cover the remotest corners. This gives the viewer a non-congested and visually complete experience.

4. Create Interesting icons and use them smartly

If given appropriate attention, icons can truly make the difference. Create icons and details for each section and to highlight important information. They should be such that a visitor would immediately understand what the icons signify.

Advanced and interactive website designs can enhance the appeal of the website many times more than conventional designs. The important point is to make sure that the graphics are not repetitive and the presentation gives the viewer an option to skip it if required. Subtle and attractive designs always win attention and enjoy high recall in the visitor’s mind.