When deciding whether or not to create a website using Flash, a webmaster should consider the pros and cons of the application. Flash can be a powerful tool within the website world, when used correctly and effectively. Graphically, Flash increases the level of visual absorption and recognition of a website. Though that advantage is tempting enough, there are still a variety of problems with Flash, including usability and search engine dilemmas.

Sometimes the decision to use Flash can be answered by understanding what the target audience would like to see. Flash allows a webmaster to impress website visitors with its graphical capabilities. But when web users surf the web in search of information, they are mostly concerned with the quality of the content; ease of navigation and how fast they can get in and out of a website. The graphical content then takes a backseat to the usability of the website.

Since the Web is considered to be an interactive activity, users are unlikely to spend a chunk of their time waiting for a website to load a presentation. This is especially true with people who have low-speed Internet connections. Flash forces a webmaster to choose between the importance of the visual aspect vs. usability when creating a website.

Flash presents problems with bandwidth and loading times. When websites are designed with Flash, the time it takes to download can be quite long. Flash also takes up tons of bandwidth. These websites are especially difficult to view without a broadband connection. Users with a dial-up connection do not appreciate waiting a long time in order to get the information they want and need. If it takes too long for a website to load, it doesn’t matter how interesting or great the graphics are, the viewer will be bored and frustrated.

When visiting a Flash site designed with an older version, the user will find that the back button does not work properly. When using the back button, the site does not return to the previous screen, but exits out. Other issues include a difference between the colors used for visited and unvisited sites.

If a webmaster is concerned with their ranking within search engines, they should know that Flash sites have a hard time reaching a high position. This problem can be combated by creating an HTML version of the website that is easily recognized by search engines. This will cost more time and money to create.

It may seem like a lot of negatives, but Flash does have many advantages. Flash is good for those who wish to show a presentation, such as a demonstration of products regarding their website. If a website features an interactive game, Flash is then also used. An entire website does not have to be entirely created from Flash. Small Flash animations or banners can really improve the appearance of a basic website. These objects will also load faster.

Macromedia, which is the company that created Flash, is working to enhance the application’s usability. The problems regarding slow downloads and search engines are hard issues to conquer, but they are still on the top of this company’s “to-do” list.

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