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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. Any longer can annoy some visitors. A professional design will be exciting and interactive, not annoying to your visitors.
Rule #2: Proper navigation 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 site.
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. They only 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. Navigation buttons that do not indicate or reveal their function are not user friendly. Clearly understood icons are sometimes acceptable but actual text is the best policy when it comes to your navigation buttons.
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 site. Here are some rules for intro's: 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 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).
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.
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 both the flash site and the html pages. This greatly compliments your web site and reduces your ongoing expense of updating the site. Text or content in flash can be controlled and changed with external text files. With today's technology you can edit the web site from any internet connection and no software or technical knowledge is required.
Rule #8: Music should always be optional. A professional 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. They can also specify fade in, fade out and the number of times the song or music loop is played and other sound options.
Rule #9: Even though a loading bar may not be exciting to look at (they don't have to be ugly either ), a professional will always include a pre-loader that indicates that the site or flash file is loading. A design that does not indicate this leaves the visitor ready to restart their computer.
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 a 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 pro will understand the technology, visitor behavior, visitor preferences, search engine requirements and much more.
More Links:
Pixel fonts for clarity in the flash player.
Matching HTML web site option.
Editable pages or flash files should be offered for frequently updated information.
Click Here to be contacted by a professional flash consultant.
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