Another reason why Flash websites suck

We've been working with a client on a complete redevelopment of their website. Their reason for the redevelopment was simple, and common: it wasn't getting them any leads, sales, engagement or interest at all from their market.

That problem we are fixing for them.

It is worth pointing out one other benefit they'll get from this redevelopment. Their old 100% Flash website doesn't get seen on iPhone's or iPad's. Flash is not supported on these devices.

In fact, here is a picture of what their old website looks like when viewed from an iPhone:

That is fixed with their new website. But there are many people out there who still have the 100% Flash websites they were sold five years ago who don't realise that a 100% Flash website is a bad idea for many reasons, least of all this issue with the iPhones.

Some might ask, "Oh, who uses an iPhone to look at websites anyway?"

Fair question. To be honest I don't have the time to trawl the internet at present for exact stats right now. But I've seen quite a few that indicate that while the numbers are not huge, they are not inconsequential, and more importantly the trend is a staggeringly increasing rate of mobile browsing in general, and on the iPhone in particular.

Add to this the immenient Australian release of the iPad (which behaves the same way in this regard as an iPhone), and the numbers mean this issue cannot be ignored if your business uses a 100% Flash website.

What are the answers? Well, it depends on your needs (and most importantly, the needs of your users), but generally speaking a site that only uses elements of Flash is a start.

Better yet, for simple animations, jQuery does as good a job and doesn't have this issue at all. Ask your friendly web designer for advice specific to your situation. Or leave a question or comment below.

Comments

Stephen Hamilton

Jun 17, 2010 at 10:12 AM

Hi Richard. I appreciate you taking the time to comment. And thanks for your kind words. Excellent point - in fact it is the crux of good design - identify who the user really is (ie it isn't the business owner) and design the site with their needs in mind.

Richard Norris

May 27, 2010 at 8:46 PM

Stephen, You make some really good points here.In my view anyone that has a 100% flash site is just asking for trouble.Many business owners think that their "Flashy" site is going to be a big hit with their visitors. And some approach the whole project from what they "think" will "look" good and they end up missing the whole point.Remember , as a bushiness owner its not "your" site...Its your customers site...their the ones using it.. good blog by the way !!