Full-blown conceptual websites written in the Adobe Flash Platform have been around for awhile. But some question whether these sites are actually good at conveying a message to users. Instead of content, many of these sites are designed with their technology in mind. Can a Flash website provide a meaningful experience?
Attention is expensive
More often than not, we’ve summoned up a Flash-heavy site, only to stare at a loading bar. It’s in these cases, many people find themselves getting out of there, fast. Why? Perhaps because people’s attention on the web is actually pretty short, as research has shown.
Flash websites can be immediate
It’s true. When we developed the site, Ryobi Autoshift, for Torque Creative, we wanted to make it painless, as far as speed and loading time. The same goes for Splat The Mat, developed for Erwin Penland.
So, what about purpose?
One of our specialties is Flash development, so we realize its possibilities, and its potential. And sometimes, we see some Flash site executions that completely amaze us, not just with a “wow factor”, but with quick, entertaining, and meaningful intent. The producers of the following sites are big inspirations:
- Get the Glass!
This site was everyone’s favorite for 2007. It’s easy to grasp the concept that this is a game, as well as a message promoting the virtues of milk. We also love it for its casual feel, execution, and irreverence. - Big Ideas come out of Big Pencils
The Leo Burnett agency website was another favorite, from 2005 . It has provided inspiration for dozens of imitators, mimicking it’s snazzy visual methods. The visual paradigm is easy to grasp. And its (mostly) intuitive interface is as charming as its big, black pencil.
So, those “in the know” may recognize these as oldies. But they’re still nice examples of the usefulness, immediacy, and potential of Flash.
It’s not all just “Flash”
By the way, we do Flash, and love it, because we do it right. Marriage is next. Then, microsites.
