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Craig Kroeger talks about trends within the design community and what role Flash plays in it. He is
one of the four principals of Fourm Design Studio. His personal website, Miniml, features Flash-friendly vector-based pixel fonts. Craig also teaches Typography
at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design on a part-time basis.
Since its debut a few short years ago, Macromedia Flash has revolutionized the Internet experience.
Its unparalleled combination of creative freedom and small bandwidth brought to life interactions not possible with cookie-cutter HTML pages. This has
never been as true as it is today with the maturation of Flash’s programming language Actionscript giving creative programmers and designers the ability
to create even more comprehensive and stunning possibilities. However, since the main draw of Flash has always been it’s ability to easily create “Flashy”
visual effects, it is no surprise that many atrocities have been committed in the name of Flash.
The majority of these Flash problems are caused by a lack of consideration and moderation. An effective design solution uses its visual form to enhance its
function, not detract from it. In other words, just because you can doesn’t mean you should. A good example of this is the classic introduction movie with
adrenaline pumping music. When they are done |
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properly, they can be engaging and informative much like a well crafted commercial, In the majority of cases
the introduction movie is detrimental as it interrupts from what should be initially loading — useful, meaningful content. Making your audience wait for
your indulgence is inexcusable.
Useful, meaningful content is enhanced when visually designed with consideration and moderation. Clear,
legible aliased text is considerate. An easy, yet comprehensive, navigation system is considerate. White space is considerate. Overwhelming the end user with confusing and distracting “graphics” diminishes
its effectiveness as a means of communication. Moreover, it promotes the notion that Flash itself is the problem. Fortunately, there is enough good Flash
design out there to dismiss that notion.
Just as any concept is usually stronger than its application, there are no universal rules regarding what constitutes good design except one. Form
follows function. Unfortunately, those who are strictly visual often overlook function as an excuse to create senseless gimmicks. (Gradients, blurs,
drop-shadows, filters, etc.) Although these devices can be used to enhance the usability of a site while providing visual interest, they are usually
counter- productive.
The application of style as a problem-solving tool is the ultimate gimmick. When trends determine |
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form, the purpose of design is eliminated. Trends
spring from innovative solutions and die from thoughtless derivations. It seems that trends will always be a part of design since people are always
looking for an easy way to participate in something greater. However, greatness is born of originality and risk. Flash enables you to take those kinds of
risks and begin your own trend (like it or not).
It is not my intent to criticize, simply to improve what I know can exist. I believe that people need to have strong convictions for any progress to be made,
individually and globally. Macromedia Flash is a tool that can make your visions a reality to the rest of the world. It is not just what you have to say but
how you say it. Flash is your translator. In order for your message to be received clearly, you need to diminish all possible distractions.
To summarize, less “flash,” more Flash.
Miniml
Essay by: Craig Kroeger |
