[thelist] flash accessibility/usability

[.jeff]

erik,

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> From: Erik Mattheis
>
> For instance if you want to have sound samples that will
> play for over 90% of your visitors.
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very valid point.  now, there's an example of something flash is good at.

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> Or if you want visitors to preview what a product would
> look like with their name or other message inscribed on
> it.
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flash is only one of *many* alternatives for accomplishing this though.
most of the other alternatives don't require that the user have any extras
installed in their browser.

compared to some of the other solutions, flash simply means the user can get
that preview without leaving the page as well as debatably being easier for
the developer to implement.  i don't see flash being a leader in the
solutions to this sort of problem though.  it's simply one of many to choose
from with its own set of advantages/disadvantages.

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> Because Flash may sometimes make the navigation more
> efficient or better in some other way. For example if
> you need to fit 120 links into a 560x140 pixel area and
> it's for an Intranet who's users have Navigator 3.
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considering it's on an intranet, i'd say this is an acceptable use.  that
doesn't mean a solution isn't achievable without flash.

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> Or, if your marketing department requires the links to
> be in a particular font and the marketing department
> also needs to update the links through a CMS.
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if they need to have them in a particular font then they need to be smacked
with a clue-by-four and reminded how the web really works.   ;p

there's also the question of "does your choice of font make it more
difficult for me to get at the information?" or "does my inability, due to
flash, to substitute your choice of font for my own reduce my ability to use
it?"

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> Here's a filesize example which also illustrates a few
> other advantages of vector graphics over bitmapped:
>
> http://gozz.com/temporary/filesize/filesize.html
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good example.  one question though -- how does the flash version degrade for
users without flash?  do i have to go download and install flash to save 5
kb?  if so, it's kinda pointless, imo.  after all, i don't have to go
download something to view images in my browser.

.jeff

http://evolt.org/
jeff at members.evolt.org
http://members.evolt.org/jeff/