Animation, Flash, and Movies

We know that people retain a certain amount of what they read, and that people retain a larger amount of what they read, see, and hear- so enhancing your message can be effective in some situations. But you don't want to add animations just because you can; they need to serve the business purpose.

A small animation can call the audience's eye to the one place on the web page that you want them to take action. But we also know that a good design and effective use of contrast and color can be more effective.

Flash is a relatively new technology that presents a sort of movie on a website. It can combine motion, sound, and special effects, and can respond interactively to the user. Again, it's important that Flash is used to support the business goal.

Two Flash issues: Flash is supported by 95% of computers, and it's a bandwidth hog. If you're in an intranet or corporate situation you can use Flash with certainty. If you're not, you'll want to build non-Flash contingencies into your website.

You can use digital video movies in websites, but again the two gremlins of computer compatibility and bandwidth come into play. Fortunately, the newest browsers allow you to detect compatibility and the speed of the connection, so if you want to provide video to high-speed users you can, and then you provide a slide show or alternative content to other users.