As I was redesigning this site (again) I considered using Flash for a header or sidebar or something like that. Now, I’m not as skilled in Flash as the pros are, but I know my way around the program and I understand the concepts of a dynamic interface. But using Flash just didn’t seem right. I like Flash, but I think too many people are using it on too wide a variety of web sites. Every time I visit an agency or design firm web site, they are using Flash. I don’t think it works. It’s distracting; you have to wait, not for loading, but for the intro movie to play out.

The Static page effect.
The internet is mostly about gathering information. You go there to read the news, you go here to learn about your friends weekend. Check out a page to find a movie schedule. It’s like a dynamic newspaper. But imagine a newspaper with moving commercials. Every time you want to read an article you have to sit through a mini-movie. If you are a design agency, your web site should be well designed. It should be a well designed static page that gives me the option to view your amazing Flash portfolio. The same goes for Advertising agencies and gaming news sites. Get me in the door, then lead me to your cool one-trick pony.

Cool is cool
Having said all that, I do enjoy a great Flash web site. Movies, bands, TV shows all use Flash to promote their whatever. But I’m expecting that when I go there. I do enjoy well done menu systems in Flash, but finding only a Flash menu system vs. and entire web site done is Flash is rare. So save the Flash for page two and go out an hire someone who understands web sites, graphic design, page layout, and user interface.