GDT 260 Animation for the Web: Winter 2002
1.15.2002
Instructor
Topics Covered in Class
See class overview.
Software
Flash 5.0 - not Quicktime, Shockwave/ Director, etc. Basic concepts translate to any time-based media.
Flash: vector-based - small file sizes, scalable
Pros
- Complex interactivity
- Cross-browser/ cross-platform animation
- If used correctly, small files sizes -> fast download time
- Can do really cool stuff
Cons
- Plugin is required fro web-based movies
- Plugin versions
- Can't bookmark sections
- Can't *always* copy and paste text
- If use incorrectly, huge file size -> slow download
- Can run very slowly on old machines/ crash them
- Content is inaccessible to non-visual browsers, people with visual and/or auditory impairments
- Certain types of animation can trigger epileptic seizures
- Waiting through animation to access information can be annoying and will drive people away
Moral
Use Flash wisely, and only when it will add something that can't be otherwise achieved.
If your site is aimed at the general public, ensure that any information is available without the plugin. Otherwise, you will lose visitors.
File Formats
- .fla Flash file: used in authoring software
- .swf Shockwave Flash file: used in standalone player and plugin
- .exe or Macintosh Projector: used to create standalone executable files for Windows or Macintosh. The Windows version can carry viruses.
