Flash is a tool used to create stunning interactive experiences. It is also becoming more acceptable (especially in the design industry) to build an entire site in flash, allowing for the use of lovely touches of animation and interaction.

Even though Flash offers so much, there are certain problems to its use.

Flash has become more than just a format to display videos on the web. If used correctly you can build great functionality into elements, as it is an incredibly interactive medium. You are able to create interaction that is flexible and tailored to the user.

It does not seem to restrict creative ideas, whereas HTML websites can struggle. If anything it can expand an idea and act as a source of inspiration for the designer.

Although it has obvious advantages, it does have some problems. It is not an ideal medium for usability and accessibility, especially as it requires the download of a plugin. Also it is only recently that search engines have been able to index Flash elements. This makes it hard to optimise your Flash elements so that search engines can investigate the content they hold.

There is a lot that must be considered before you begin a Flash project, regardless of its scale. To make it a success, the designer must firstly fully understand the audience, and the level of interaction that they will be comfortable with. Also there must be a balance between graphics, video, animation and sound. Another thing which we consider important at Jupiter Digital, is waiting times. You do not want to have a user watching a loading bar for a couple of minutes before they are able to access the content.

There are some great things that can be achieved with Flash. It can really turn a project into a great success, which people will notice and return to again and again.