Lately I have been brainstorming ideas of what to create for my personal website. Because I’m currently learning Flash I wanted to use that program in creating my site. I started searching the web to find some ideas or techniques that might be helpful to me. I stumbled across this site that has all different types of flash sites. Each site has some type of unique characteristic created in Flash. Hardly ever do we consider websites a form of art, but in the graphic design field something like this is very prominent.
One of my favorites was the Leo Burnett site. As you move your mouse over the page it actually draws a line as if you are holding a pencil to the screen. The site structure also completely breaks the traditional left menu bar website design we are used to. Although this is a cool site, because it is out of box, navigating it may be difficult if it is your first time visiting.
Flash sites also can be used to turn websites into a type of game. Reference the stuntman website featured on this page. The introduction consists of a video game like interaction before transferring you to the actual meat of the site. The possibilities of using Flash add an entirely different dynamic to the layout and interaction.
Using Flash as a website tool has helped designers break away from these traditional designs that we have deemed normal in the Internet world. Why does something different have to be less effective? Design can play a huge part in site appeal. This simply supports the idea that changing technology can help to advance the creative side of website design. Be sure to check out some of the other sites on this page. Many of them are very cool and unlike anything else you can find on the web.
I've been developing with flash for almost 6 years now, and I agree wholeheartedly that flash design is necessary for any company or individual looking for the best possible way to market their item or introduce ideas.
ReplyDeleteOne great site for you to check out regarding flash design from a company perspective is:
www.2advanced.com
The work they do is amazing, and I've been trying to emulate some of the things they've accomplished for years. The dynamic qualities of flash adds so much more to any website. It IS like an artwork. Designing websites can be very tricky, but it's extremely rewarding. I'm curious to see the new type of technology that will take web design by storm since I've been engrossed in it for 6 years now.
This is why digital arts is so fascinating. Changing technologies allow for new creations.
-Collin Mehalick
I’m actually doing the same thing as you are currently. Thank you for sharing this website, I’ve been looking for new websites to research in designing my website. Some of these websites are very intricate and a lot of fun to visit. I agree that Leo Burnett’s site is very enjoyable and pleasing to the eye. However, there is one flaw to his site as you stated, it is very difficult to navigate.
ReplyDeleteWhen designing your portfolio website, simple is almost always better. There is a saying in the graphic design field… “Less is not always more, just enough is more.” Future employers and clients will not have time to fool around on your site trying to find your work. They need to be able to access your work quickly and effectively. That is the sign of a good designer. While Leo’s site was fun to visit, when I tried to access his work, I kept going back to the previous page. Always have someone who did not make your website test the site out before sending out resumes. You will be able to make tweaks to make the navigation better.