Technology vs. Usability

When JV Media Design was formed, the year was 1995 and the Internet was a very different place than it is today.

The first web sites we created used simple layouts, a modest amount of graphics, standard "web safe" colors, and no javascript. This was all done in an attempt to create websites that worked well with the browsers of the measure (namely, Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator).

As the many years went by, technology rapidly changed, and so did the web. Soon enough, javascript was standard procedure to create "roll over" effects on buttons, to scroll writing , and lots more. Web pages got more graphically intense, and using audio and Flash was a brand new frontier.

Ten years have now passed and keeping up with the technology and trends is still a major priority for us. When it was once unheard of to incorporate Flash in web pages, it is now become standard practice. But there is such a thing as "too much of a sizeably workable thing".

We strive to create web pages that blend technologies together to create the best user knowledge. When it was once accepted to add a Flash "splash" page on a page , it is now looked upon as an extraneous step that most visitors will click through. Attention spans have shortened to a mere matter of seconds on the web, and putting your uses through a Flashy presentation just to have a "wow" variable may be more detrimental than beneficial.

So the main factor in considering Flash technology for your website is: "will it enhance my website?" In order to answer this question you must think about your target advertise. For instance, you are a rock band. You positive need to convey a certain "image" and your develope could be more creative and exciting than if you are a Real Estate Agent. Try surfing the web and see what others have done with their sites. Also, your designer should be able to guide you in what will work and what will not.

Keep in mind that there is still a large enough percentage of Internet users accessing the web at "dial up" speeds. If you do choose to make use of Flash, generate sure you do not lose potential visitors by making them wait through a long, boring loading screen. Most people surf the web to access data . Just because you might design a very complicated Flash presentation, doesnt mean that you should.

If you have any questions, we would be happy to help you out!