Looks like every client wants a Flash site these days but reality is...as flashy as these sites may look, there are many negatives you may want to consider before delving into Flash.

Deadly Sin One - Long Load Times

This is most obvious problem with most Flash sites. Flash files can get large in a hurry and if page takes too long to load, your visitor will move on without even seeing your site. Ideally, you would want your Flash web page to load just as fast as a 'regular' page with text and images. And yes, it can be done!

Problem #1 - Images

The whole reason why Flash was developed was to be able to use vector graphics on web pages. Vector Graphics are infinitely smaller than pixel based images, they can be resized to any size and animated without creating large file sizes. Unfortunately, many designers use regular pixel based graphics like photos in their Flash design and end up with huge files. Rule #1 for good Flash design should be...Use Vector Graphics only!

Problem #2 - Sound

User-Lab's John Knight to guest speak at WMita DDA meeting

Birmingham Institute of Art and Design User-Lab’s John Knight to guest speak at West Midlands IT Association (WMita) Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) meeting

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John Knight, Usability Engineer at User-Lab http://www.user-lab.com is to guest speak at West Midlands IT Association (WMita) http://www.wmita.co.uk/ DDA meeting focusing upon issues of Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).

The event is to be held at Orchard Room, The Pear Tree Inn and Country Hotel Wednesday 30th June 2004 5.30pm - 8.30pm, and has been organised as WMita addresses concerns over disability act.

Concerns, speculation and confusion amongst information technology companies regarding timing and implications of DDA, has prompted WMita to take a lead in offering advice.

One effect of DDA, which is scheduled to come into force in October 2004, will be to ensure that websites are accessible to blind and disabled users, but IT specialists have complained that little information is available to help them ensure its successful implementation.

WMita’s response is a presentation organised by Hereford and Worcester Branch featuring a leading authority on DDA, John Knight, Usability Engineer of Birmingham Institute of Art and Design at University of Central England.

Charles Huthwaite of WMita’s H&W Branch said: “Web accessibility is a hot topic at moment and we feel we can learn a lot from John’s knowledge and experience in this area. Many hold view that DDA could potentially destroy effectiveness of their websites but our advice to them is not to panic. We intend to give practical, down to earth advice on what new Act requires, what needs to be done and what indeed DDA is all about,” explains Huthwaite.