Flash: Consistent, Transparent, Delightful
- Who are we?
Duncan McAlester - illustration, corporate web sites, intranets, movie web sites, applications, interfaces - a Flash designer.
Michelangelo Capraro - movie web sites, games, corporate web sites, intranets, applications, interfaces, prototypes - a Flash designer.
- What is SKIP INTRO?
- A book about Flash interface design and usability
We are not usability experts, but we want to introduce some usability concepts to the Flash designers out there
- Usability isn't a dirty word
After the Neilson article came out, we found many Flash designers snubbing the great usability resources out there in defense. We are here to mend those ties.
- Flash designers needed some guidance
Flash designers need help in determining how to make their Flash web sites more useable.
- We wanted something that targets Flash designers like us
We are not just pixel pushers, and we aren't engineers. Many Flash designers are a mix of the two. This book is for them.
- Want to teach that good design is not about faster or easier, it's about better!
Flash designers can make the journey there a much more pleasant one
- Don't Use Flash
Sometimes the best solution for usability and Flash is not to use it. Flash isn't for every job. Help out your clients by educating them on if they need to use Flash for their site or not.
- No Barriers
Remove barriers between the user and the content
- Stay away from unnecessary intros and flashiness
- Stream instead of long preloading.
- Provide simple HTML versions of the site for backward compatibility. This can be facilitated by using XML based data.
- Provide a simple and easy way for the user to get the plug-in. Most of all provide a reason why they should.
- Use smart detection: if the user has Flash, don't tell them they need to get it.
- Skip-Intro.org
- Don't Break Things
Don't break the user's expectations
- Take the time to find or develop the proper elements to provide seamless integration with browser's expected behavior. Examples include proper back button behavior and text-sizing. Once you have these elements, they can easily be employed on any of your Flash sites.
- Strive to use consistent controls inline with your users' expectations. Scrollbars should work like scrollbars, drop-downs like drop-downs. Macromedia's UI Components go a long way to providing this
- EagleF1.com
- Multimedia can Help
Use multimedia assets to improve usability
- Try a different metaphor to simplify your interface. In some cases, the one-page metaphor can make navigating your web site much easier for your users by doing away with the Web's outdated page-based approach.
- Try using audio, video and animation to pass information to your users in a richer, more engaging way. Remember: a picture is worth a thousand words.
- The Theban Mapping Project
- Testing and Observing
Test your designs early in the design cycle to ensure you have satisfied the needs of your target users and as often as you need to
- Test structure with wire frames. This can be done on paper or in Flash. The goal here is to not become too invested in an inadequate design for your users.
- Watch your users. Continue to keep an eye on your users' performance even after the site is complete. The things that you will learn about how well you target your audience will help you on future projects.
- Lathian Virtual Details
- The Real Design Approach
In the print world, this involves designing a grid and layout that guide the audience through the information, ensuring that the reader is getting the point
- Design a consistent visual language for your site. This will help build the proper expectations in the users' experience.
- Compare each task, page or section and how it sits on the grid or works within your layout. Ensure that you are guiding your users' eyes and interaction.
- Ensure that your site has visual harmony. A design that has visual harmony will appeal aesthetically to your audience and this leads to a comfortable experience for your audience.
- Orisinal.com