The Application and Usability of Flash on the Web.docVIP

The Application and Usability of Flash on the Web Horng-Ji Lai Kun-Shan University of Technology Taiwan,China Tel: +886-6-2727175 ext 301 E-mail: hlai@.tw The popularity of Flash has changed the format of Web since its first acquisition by Macromedia in 1997. Flash displays multimedia content in a compressed, fast-loading format that provides vector-based graphics and seamless animations for crisp, clean presentation. Designers are eager to create Flash sits to attract users to experience the powerful and interactive content. However, it could cause some usability flaws if this technology is not carefully applied. Appropriate using Flash content actually improves the usability of the entire site due to its distinguished features that other interactive web format cannot compete with. This article discusses the advantages of Flash, its role on developing educational resources, and its usability. Key words：Flash animation Flash educational resource usability 1 Introduction Flash is an interactive multimedia software for the Web which uses vectors-based graphics instead of bitmap images （such as GIF and JPEG）. Flash makes some effects easy to reach that were required programming skills of Dynamic HTML or Java, as it renders typography, images, sounds, and full-frame animation in a fully controllable manner. It has brought a revolution to the web since its acquisition by Macromedia in 1997 [3]. However, Flash has a drawback that it requires a plug-in in order to view it on the web. Many sites offer option of flash or HTML version for viewers. Because it can give visitors of a site an “on-line experience” instead of a digital copy of printed materials, viewers are eager and curious to download it to experience the differences. According to research conducted by NPD group in March 2002, more than 436 million （98% of all surfers） have the plug-in and major browsers also include it. The application of Flash has also brought impact to the developm