10 Flash Design and Development Tips Part 2

Monday, November 12th, 2007

Categories: Adobe Flash

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In case you’ve missed, last week I wrote Part 1 on Flash Design and Development Tips. It was a success (in terms of traffic) so logically, here’s Part 2.

1 - Raster vs Vector
Be well aware of the benefits of raster images versus the benefits of vector images. For the sake of CPU time, I prefer GIFs or JPGs. I know what each pixel looks like and I won’t leave it to Adobe Flash to render my vector work.

2 - Don’t Use Flash for the Sake of it
Some client’s are caught in this web where they have to do what’s currently hip. Flash is something that has to suit your corporate image, your target demographic and what it is you’re advertising. Flash is tedious work, so be sure you need it before you develop it.

3 - Flash Splash Pages are Bad
Well, typically just splash pages are bad, but flash pages are just as bad. You’re forcefully putting an extra step between the user and the information he/she desires. Consider making it a banner on an information filled landing page. Splash pages are mentioned in my article on four types of webpages to avoid.

4 - Optimize Your Images
Filesize and download time are critical to visitors. Be sure you know how to optimize your images in and out of Flash. I wrote on article on optimizing GIFs and optimizing JPEGs.

5 - Preload Your Flash
What may seem like a filesize that won’t need a preloader might be a burden on someone else’s connection. Besides, it helps with syncing and can speed up some animations. Be careful not to have a bloated preloader.

6 - Don’t Ignore Usability
Just because you enjoy throwing your mouse around a page finding fun tips and tricks doesn’t mean other people will be as technologically thrilled by your creation. Test your creation on family members and see how it works out.

7 - Watch Your Pixels
Adobe Flash gives you the ability to place objects on fractions of a pixel. This may work out well, but it does leave some rendering up to Flash and your graphic might not come out as expected, keep this in mind.

8 - Avoid Organic Animation
Unless you’re good at it (or an animator), avoid animations that replicate real life motions. Examples can include simulated content being thrown or splashing text. This may appear crystal clear in your mind and in concepts but will be hard to work with, like.. throwing.. content, or a water splash.

9 - Know Your Way Around Basic ActionScript
Let’s face it, design and development require two different ways of thinking: left brain thinking and right brain thinking. If you’re a designer, try to go a little bit more indepth with ActionScript. This can be the simplest IF/ELSE statements and simple variable declaring.

10 - Know What’s Happening Around The Flash
If you don’t have any idea where your flash piece is going to be displayed, you might be a little surprised when you see the outcome. Be sure to have an idea of the palette or design elements that will be around your piece.

That’s all for now. If you’re just joining me, you can catch up on Part 1 of Flash Design and Development tips here.