Large Site/Flash Nav question
Currently developing a large site encompasing a large range of topics. This will be a high traffic site and have a question about Flash Integration.
The navigation will be at the top of every page. (Sound contribed eh?)
What issues would there be with having this kind of site, yet rely heavily on a flash nav?
Abhishek Reddy posted this at 00:58 — 10th January 2002.
He has: 3,348 posts
Joined: Jul 2001
Sorry, I'm a bit unclear about what you're asking but here's what I think.
Obviously, with any large site with huge range of topics, updation would be a key issue. Building a good foundation, including a flexible navigation system is vital.
As far as flash is concerned, there are several points you need to think about (some are applicable to any navigation system). How do you intend to update the navigation? Are you using back-end tools like a database? Is there room for future additions. Does either nav content or any design option need to be compromised to make one or the other work?
Also, a site that covers many topics should attract huge traffic. Does using flash compromise any section of the audience because they don't have the plugin?
Hope it helps you.
The Webmistress posted this at 09:12 — 10th January 2002.
She has: 5,586 posts
Joined: Feb 2001
I would personally say not to use Flash for the navigation if the rest of the site is in plain html. Although you can get some nice effects using flash, you have to consider that a lot of companies who have internet access don't have Flash enabled, you can seriously affect load times using it if someone is on a slow connection, etc.
Why have you decided to use Flash?
Julia - if life was meant to be easy Michael Angelo would have painted the floor....
Keegan posted this at 01:39 — 11th January 2002.
They have: 300 posts
Joined: Aug 2001
The flash will be updated via mysql the actual flash itself will be very small so load time is not a worry, it will load quick enough.
"A lot of companies that have Internet access have flash disabled" Where do you gain this information to post this, not aware of a lot of companies doing this, would be interested in knowing more, and referrenced documents to back the statement up. I have concerns now from you posting this WM.
Since i havent seen platform, or browser issues noted then it looks like it would be ok to use, depending on what WM has to say.
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The Webmistress posted this at 07:47 — 11th January 2002.
She has: 5,586 posts
Joined: Feb 2001
Personal experience of companies I have worked for in the passed where companies don't like their staff browsing the internet at work so they don't allow things like Flash to make it less interesting and so deter staff using the internet at work. I don't have any actual reports or documents but I would still offer an alternative for those without Flash.
Julia - if life was meant to be easy Michael Angelo would have painted the floor....
Keegan posted this at 07:58 — 11th January 2002.
They have: 300 posts
Joined: Aug 2001
Ah I c
They would not be the demographic of the nature of the site so it is not a concern to the overall business model.
They are so far outside the business model they are insignifigant and should be working anyway.
:csaw: thx WM
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Mark Hensler posted this at 08:29 — 11th January 2002.
He has: 4,048 posts
Joined: Aug 2000
If you use Flash at the top for navigation, consider having a JavaScript version to make it compatable for people without the flash plugin.
My favorite Flash navigation...
http://www.planetquake.com
http://www.planethalflife.com
Small so it doesn't take up much space, but full of links. I like how it's on a layer so it opens over the pages content. I believe that GameSpy also has a JS version, but I can't tell as I have the plugin.
Mark Hensler
If there is no answer on Google, then there is no question.
Keegan posted this at 08:43 — 11th January 2002.
They have: 300 posts
Joined: Aug 2001
Very nice examples there Mark.
The one that made me mention this idea to the developers was an Att site, I think Att cananda, it was a very complicated navigation and if I can search through a pm sent item column over at another forum I will be able to find the link again. Want you to see that one.
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