automatic page transition without flash, meta tags, etc.

[kreid]

HI,

I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask this question. But here it goes anyway...


Is it possible to transition from one html page to another without using meta redirects, flash or other methods that require plugins? My client does not want anyone to be required to download flash, quicktime, or have java turned on.


Example...the first page is a splash page that contains the company logo. This page remains for a few seconds then transfers the viewer automatically to the main content page.


Is this even possible without just using a meta refresh tag?

Thanks in advance.

-kreid

[redux]

no

[kreid]

We'll then if there is not a way to do it without flash and the like plugins, then let me ask another question.

In what way would it affect a viewer who visits the site if upon visiting the site they see a splash screen logo that counts down 3 seconds and then redirects to the main content page? Would it have a negative impact? Would it be viewed as tacky or amatuer?

Is there anything that would prevent a redirect from working and hence rendering the page unusable?

Any other suggestions to make this work well?

-Kreid

[redux]

In what way would it affect a viewer who visits the site if upon visiting the site they see a splash screen logo that counts down 3 seconds and then redirects to the main content page?

say somebody is using a screenreader. it starts reading out the page, and all of a sudden it cuts off and redirects to a new page.

or somebody is using a screen magnifier. they painstakingly work their way around the page, bit by bit, and all of a sudden the whole thing changes again as it redirects.

bottom line: it takes control away from the user, which is annoying for most "normal" users, but can have a really bad effect for users of assistive technology.

http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG10/#gl-movement

Would it be viewed as tacky or amatuer?

personally, i'd say yes.

Is there anything that would prevent a redirect from working and hence rendering the page unusable?

the absence of flash, for instance. having flash disabled. in the case of meta refresh, having a browser which does not understand it (e.g. lynx or older browsers). in the case of javascript, not having javascript or having it disabled.
in all of these scenarios, you must ensure to at least provide a text link to the page it would redirect to, so at least it's usable. but my advice would be just to leave it out.

[kreid]

Thanks so much for all of your input.

It sounds as though the best thing to do would be to talk the client out of having this type of entry into their site.

It would be better to put a brief description and then links on the splash page than to try to make things more complicated with redirects or other plugins.

Great tips!!

-kreid

[Sergeant]

Splash screens are just useless...

Why would a user want that? He wants the website as soon as possible!

[kreid]

I agree!!