As a web design company we have to weigh up a number of issues before approaching a new website, content over design space, dynamic content over static content, etc.  Each issue raises its own questions and demands different approaches.

Rich Media content is an important consideration when designing and building any website and Macromedia Flash is probably the easiest and most used of all the 'rich media' technologies. There is no doubt that a well executed Flash website can be an asset. It functions well, has added interest in the way the menus can work, probably includes animations, and can look very slick and modern. As Flash uses vector graphics the information can also be scaled without losing clarity and specially designed Flash Fonts can be used at very small sizes whilst remaining clear and sharp.

Flash allows the inclusion of sound in your web pages as both mp3 and wav files, this means that you can use background music or a voice over. You can also  import digital video into Flash, an excellent way to demonstrate your products. It’s true that Flash is not the only way of utilising video, however it is a very slick way of doing it. There can be no question about the freedom Flash allows the designer but that freedom mustn't be taken lightly.

There are inevitably some disadvantages, and one very relevant  issue is that the "make text bigger/smaller" option, available in most web browsers, does not work with Flash sites. This makes it harder, if not impossible, for those with visual disabilities to view the site properly. The move towards achieving DDA compliancy is an important consideration and issues involved with the use of Flash have not yet been completely resolved. Although the latest version of Flash MX addresses some of these problems, the end result is only as good as the ability of the designer in the use of Flash. Flash development is a very specialist area and most smaller companies are not able to support the high salary demanded by such expertise.

According to Macromedia, 93% of internet users are able to view Flash - in reality there is a difference between having the ability and actually doing it.  Older browsers do not support newer versions of Flash Player and some internet users are reluctant, or unsure how, to perform the necessary upgrades. As a consequence there are thought to be more like 65% of internet users who are able to view all Flash websites.

Crawler based search engines were primarily designed to index HTML text and Flash sites may be difficult or even impossible to read. Google has the ability to extract embedded text from Flash files, but because of the complicated structure of a Flash website is unable, more often than not, to fully index the content (again this depends on the level of development applied to the site).  In an age where search engine ranking is key to the success of a website, Flash may not be the way to go!

After looking at the argument from both sides we aim for a compromise!  Embedding flash movies in the pages of HTML documents can satisfy the 'rich media junkies'. It can be part of a DDA compliant page, where the movie has clear text within the source code and the text around it enlarged as required.

Our overall view of Flash is favourable, in fact our previous company website was entirely Flash based, we have only ever had one client who demanded a Flash based website (and he has subsequently chosen to rebuild in HTML).  

As a company we recommend the subtle use of Flash technology, generally as an integrated solution to a delivery problem. Our webcams utilise Flash technology to 'grab' images from the camera and create the 'fade through' effect which gives static images the illusion of continuity. Flash also manages 'user access' to the cameras, distributing the information across any number of concurrent viewers.

peter defrag

In common with every other member of the wight365 technical team, Peter has a natural flair for matching the technology to the task. He has a special kind of mind-set that allows him to see opportunities for enhancement regardless of the project in hand.

Though his approach is often eccentric his delivery and attention to detail makes him invaluable to the wight365 spirit of adventure.