October 6th, 2009 | No Comments
Occasionally we get people wanting us to work in Flash. While we are able to do the work, we discourage our clients from using it in most situations.
Flash is bad for Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
While Google is working on listing Flash-based websites in their engine, it is still somewhat “iffy”. Further, the reality is that many of the best techniques used for SEO simply cannot work with a flash site.
Flash is usually bad for User Interface (UI)
While it can be cool, Flash usually deviates from the best User Interface principles, in favor of what the designer wants. This is never good.
Flash is not supported by most mobile platforms
Most experts predict that mobile platforms will occupy a significant portion of the internet browsing in the near future. Currently, Flash is not supported on many of those mobile devices, including the iPhone and Blackberry. Basically, developing a site in Flash ensures that you are not thinking for the future.
Most Flash effects can accomplished using better methods
You don’t NEED Flash to do what Flash does! jQuery, MooTools and other sources accomplish what most people use Flash for, and they are fully compatible with all the problems I stated above.
Flash intros are ALWAYS a bad idea
Don’t do them. Ever. Even if you have a skip button. Please.
Exception: Flash is okay for video
As a platform for displaying video, Flash is a very viable option. It’s okay to use it. I give you permission. 
In Conclusion
I hope this article gives you enough reason to uninstall Flash from your computer, or if you are a website owner, not to ask your web designer to use Flash.
