Technology is moving at an unbelievable rate these days and with the invention of new gadgets like the iphone, ipad, the android gadget etc is there still room for technology like Adobe Flash out there. Flash animations have been inspiring and tickling people for many years now, it’s also amazing to see the range of skill out there. From the very basic flash movies to the awe inspiring motion graphics that web designers, programmers and visual artists put together.

Where is Flash now in the web world? Is it still a largely used technology or is it slowly dying a horrible death? I believe Flash is still there and is holding its own not just within the World Wide Web but on handheld gadgetry being developed everyday. Animation is becoming stronger, more professional and more appealing with Adobe constantly improving its software offering on a yearly basis.

Animation / motion graphics are becoming a big part of the everyday world and are advancing websites in a number of ways. Web designers and web peeps alike still believe that Flash animation has a strong presence within the web world and is a great way to immediately convey a message or get a point across to web users. Hang on though let’s not be so biased remember Flash animation has other uses like games, brochures and is a great tool to encourage some user interaction on a site.

A site can easily just use image and text to try and convey a message but with information being such a strong point in a users mind with clarity and speed a Flash animation or motion graphics asset on site can be a great way to grab and interact with a user. Flash does have its drawbacks though, as with everything it’s not perfect. Here are some notable disadvantages to using Flash:

– Requires plug-in
– Expensive solution
– Not searchable
– It should not be used a website solution and should only play a small part in websites development

Also it poses some usability issues aswell. Imagine entering a website to then be introduced with a Flash animation with no control whatsoever. Sites built like this will usually be disfavoured as they do not provide users with the option to skip the animation, which in turn wastes a user’s time. It is always advisable to keep animations short and to the point, allow the user full control over the animation i.e. play, stop and pause. Never use it as a website intro most users tend to walk away. Generally the rule of thumb is too keep it short and sweet and non obtrusive.

So simply put Flash is still very much alive and will still play it part in the web world. I am sure that Adobe will keep battling to ensure that this still plays a big part in their product offering and that web designers and web people alike will continue to use it a great solution. I do think motion graphics and flash animations will play a big part in the World Wide Web’s future.

Author Bio: Mithul is writing on behalf of Fluid Creativity, specialists in Flash Animation & Motion Graphics.

Category: Internet
Keywords: flash animation, motion graphics