Is Flash Too Flash?

The reality is that although Flash presents many usability issues, it is not inherently unusable. It can be used to create usable websites - but this requires designers to follow strict implementation guidelines.

Amongst Internet developers, Macromedia Flash is certainly something of a hot potato. On the one hand, many designers see Flash as a powerful multimedia tool that encourages originality and dynamism on the otherwise 'static' web.

Proponents of usability, on the other hand, have argued that the presence of Flash on a website is a 'usability disease', '99% bad' and have even branded it as 'evil'. They ask the obvious question: why do the biggest, most well known and profitable websites in the world decide against using Flash?

However, the reality is that although Flash presents many usability issues, it is not inherently unusable. It can be used to create usable websites - but this requires designers to follow strict implementation guidelines.

Usability Issues

The usability issues associated with Flash have been well documented. Most notably, it requires the use of plug-in rather than standard web technology - a concept that many users may have difficulty in understanding, and even more with downloading and running.

Standard browser functionality and conventions do not operate in websites presented entirely with Flash - the browser 'Back' button, conventional link colours, and the ability to copy and paste or resize text can all be compromised when Flash is used.

Older browsers may have difficulty coping with Flash and slow download times may frustrate users. Finally, those using screen readers and text-only browsers will discover that Flash is fundamentally inaccessible to their technologies. Until there is conformity in the use of browsers and bandwidth allows Flash to download quickly and operate smoothly, this tool should only be used sparingly on websites.

Flash Usability Guidelines

So what can be done? As a general principle, a cautious approach should be taken in the use of Flash on websites. One should always ask whether or not its use is truly necessary and whether the same effect could be achieved with standard HTML. That said, there is an argument that by using Flash, designers can provide a richer, more interactive and flexible web presence.

When Flash is used, for whatever reason, it will help to follow these basic guidelines:

• Help users understand the interface - always provide logical navigation and interactivity. Use elements consistently.
• Place the user in control - provide an HTML version of the content in addition to the Flash option.
• Provide a link to where the relevant plug-in can be procured if required.
• Give the user the option to skip unnecessary Flash introductions.
• Keep the user informed - provide a status bar to show the loading progress of any Flash elements.
• Accessibility - Provide text equivalents of Flash content so that assistive devices can interpret it.
• Test for Usability - test for usability with participants from the relevant target audience.
• Examine how your site performs over various bandwidths, and if possible compare test results from Flash and non-Flash versions of the same site.