Technology vs. Usability


When JV Media Design was formed, the year was 1995 and the Internet was a very different place than it is today.

The first websites we created used simple layouts, a modest amount of graphics, standard "web safe" colors, and no javascript. This was all done in an attempt to create websites that worked well with the browsers of the time (namely, Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator).

As the years went by, technology rapidly changed, and so did the web. Soon enough, javascript was standard procedure to create "roll over" effects on buttons, to scroll text, and lots more. Web pages got more graphically intense, and using audio and Flash was a brand new frontier.

Ten years have now passed and keeping up with the technology and trends is still a major priority for us. When it was once unheard of to include Flash in web pages, it is now become standard practice. But there is such a thing as "too much of a good thing".

We strive to create web pages that blend technologies together to create the best user experience. When it was once accepted to incorporate a Flash "splash" page on a site, it is now looked upon as an extraneous step that most visitors will click through. Attention spans have shortened to a mere matter of seconds on the web, and putting your uses through a Flashy presentation just to have a "wow" factor can be more detrimental than beneficial.

So the main factor in considering Flash technology for your website is: "will it enhance my website?" In order to answer this question you must consider your target market. For instance, you are a rock band. You need to convey a certain "image" and your design can be more creative and exciting than if you are a Real Estate Agent. Try surfing the web and see what others have done with their sites. Also, your designer should be able to guide you in what will work and what will not.

Keep in mind that there is still a large enough percentage of Internet users accessing the web at "dial up" speeds. If you do choose to utilize Flash, make sure you do not lose potential visitors by making them wait through a long, boring loading screen. Most people surf the web to access information. Just because you can design a very complicated Flash presentation, doesn't mean that you should.

If you have any questions, we would be happy to help you out!

Sherry Holub received her BA in studio art from UCLA in 1995 and is the Lead Designer and Manager at Southern California firm, JV Media Design. www.jvmediadesign.com">http://www.jvmediadesign.com


MORE RESOURCES:
webdesign - Google News

Web Design Company launches Blog with Free Tips & Articles for ... - BigNews.biz (press release)

Web Design Company launches Blog with Free Tips & Articles for ...
BigNews.biz (press release), MA - Aug 22, 2008
The Web design Company have been offering a wide range of web development and search engine marketing services to a diverse clientele in UK ranging form ...


Seo Firm India Celebrated Independence Day - SEO Web Design Firm

Seo Firm India Celebrated Independence Day
SEO Web Design Firm, India - Aug 15, 2008
But Seo web design firm team members came in office and done Flag Hoisting Ceremony. We remembered freedom fighters struggle for this Independence. ...


Imagination.gs Offers Customized Web Design Built For The ... - PowerHomeBiz.com (press release)

Imagination.gs Offers Customized Web Design Built For The ...
PowerHomeBiz.com (press release) - Aug 15, 2008
The intent of web design is to create a web site (a collection of electronic files residing on one or more web servers) that presents content (including ...


Google Pays Back In A Link Exchange Offer! - Search Newz

Google Pays Back In A Link Exchange Offer!
Search Newz, KY - Aug 19, 2008
... and holiday sites to this site,we can give you two back links from the following theme travel, home, webhosting, webdesign, seo, garden and more sites. ...


Why Don’t You Make Your Own Website? - 3x24 - Your Newspaper and News Magazine

Why Don’t You Make Your Own Website?
3x24 - Your Newspaper and News Magazine, Germany - Aug 23, 2008
by Ricardo d Argence It is understandable to hesitate before venturing into webdesign, whatever your motivations are. Isn’t this what they pay folks the big ...


Flash designs to bring your website to life - Promotion World (press release)

Flash designs to bring your website to life
Promotion World (press release), CA - Sep 3, 2008
Flash Web Design is extremely useful because of its amazing features. This is the reason why people are finding it the only logical means of creating a ...

UBB Webdesign.com © 2008