If you want your website to make a big impression on people, especially with its graphics, then flash really is the best way to go.
Many
flash web designers find that it's the perfect medium for sites that target a youthful demographic. It's best suited to dynamic, games-like websites rather than sources of information.
Animations may impress visitors, but they're often bandwidth hungry. They are usually an attraction for visitors, but people who look at your site regularly might find them an annoyance. A 'skip intro' function is particularly useful because it keeps both types of visitor happy.
It's a powerful tool, but flash web designers know it can't be used to solve every situation. It is, however, particularly popular with dynamic and interactive sites.
One challenge for flash web designers is that flash typically doesn't have a 'back' button. This is essential in web browsers, but experts can design websites that bear this in mind.
The most common piece of advice is that you should only use flash when appropriate.
Flash is a really well supported platform (putting the dispute between Apple and Adobe aside) and plugins are widely available for those who want to view a range of flash output.
This week Apple has been promoting HTML5 as a rival to flash. It's the latest in the ongoing battle over Apple's refusal to allow flash on its iPhone or iPad. Apple have been criticised for blocking anyone who isn't using web browser Safari from viewing demos it claims to be are testing HTML5, when in fact they are completely unrelated.
