Most companies these days have a web
presence, but can you honestly say you’ve done everything
you can to make your website as enticing to potential customers
as you possibly can? Roger Taylor, Creative Director at Montpellier
Creative looks at the pros and cons of flash animation used
in web design and questions whether it really adds to the ‘stickiness’
of a site.
Your company website can offer a range
of opportunities, the most important of which is the potential
of hooking new clients. First impressions, as we’ve discussed
in an earlier column, really do count – but once you have
a ‘browser’ on your site how can you get them to
stay and ultimately make that all-important contact with your
company?
One great advantage of developing a website
is the potential of offering browsers a more interactive experience
with your company than traditional printed marketing material
provides. With your audience and the message you wish to convey
established, the design of the site can begin. Colour, graphics
and content are all important, but what about the bells and
whistles? How far should you take the extras?
Flash animation has, over the years,
received a very mixed response. Largely due to designers using
it just for the sake of it, the damage done to the software’s
reputation, in many people’s eyes, is irreversible. For
some, no website is complete without it, for others it’s
nothing more than a pain. Understandably, no one wants to sit
through a five minute, self-indulgent introduction to a site,
but if it adds value to the experience and message it is the
tool to be used.
Providing movement, sound and valuable
interactivity, many argue that flash animation can breath essential
life into an otherwise static and boring html site. Whether
designing a new website or revamping an existing one, companies
are able to entice and persuade browsers to find out more about
their company with very sophisticated effects.
Initially the argument against flash
was that people need a ‘plug-in’ to be able to view
it. These days the number of people unable to view flash is
minimal. Another disadvantage is that search engines are unable
to pick up the text within a flash animation, but to be honest
any key messages you are conveying can be echoed else where
in the site.
As with anything, there are arguments
for and against this rather dynamic method of communication,
which allows you to shout about the benefits of your company
in a phenomenally short space of time.
The development of flash has come a long
way and consequently its use should now be considered along
with your target audience, key messages and use of other graphics
that together will create the most dynamic site possible for
your company.
To see further information about flash
animation log onto www.montpelliercreative.com or contact Roger
Taylor, Montpellier Creative, tel: 01242 245524