Continuing a look back at some of the design loveliness that appeared on our screens in 2010. Yesterday we had a look at CSS-based sites and today I’m focusing on some of the Flash-based sites that caught my eye in the past 12 months. There can be a bit of a love-hate relationship for some designers when it comes to Flash. It offers wonderful opportunities for creative design and animation and if you have the action script skills, only your imagination limits what you can do. On the other hand, it is frowned upon because of difficulties with Search Engine Optimization and the lack of ability to pin-point a specific part of a web site and because a certain smart phone manufacturer is vehemently opposed to using the flash player on their (i)phones.
But for this post, let’s think about and look at some of the great uses of this technology.
I Surf Because is a site for surfers bringing together beautiful images, video and inspirational statements about the sport.
The Sounds Of Hamburg merges the sound of the city with an orchestra.
I’m not quite sure what this web site actually achieves but I enjoyed looking at it. Grey Shines is a musical presentation featuring hand drawn characters of employees of Japanese company Grey.
Aquarius energy drink was the sponsor of The Way Of St. James walk in Spain.
Swedish Snus. Swedish what’s that now? Yes it’s a smokeless tobacco, what else?
Stunning site for the 2010 Monet Exposition.
BBC Earth – Life Is. A collection of wonderful images and video from the BBC archives.
Twenty Things I Learned is an engaging site based around articles that Google wrote describing how modern browsers work.
Life in a Day is a worldwide project to create a user-generated movie of one day on earth.
A site for Nestle FAST drinks, it combines cute illustration with a system called “Fast Surround” – which is the air around us.
What do you think of these Flash sites? What other Flash sites caught your eye in 2010?
Frequently Asked Questions about Flash Websites
Why are Flash websites considered unique and attractive?
Flash websites are known for their interactive and dynamic nature. They offer a rich multimedia experience with the use of animation, sound, and video. This makes them highly engaging and visually appealing. They are also capable of delivering complex content in a user-friendly manner. However, with the discontinuation of Adobe Flash Player, these websites are now a part of the digital history.
What are some of the best Flash websites of 2010?
The year 2010 saw some of the most creative and innovative uses of Flash in website design. Some of the best Flash websites of that year include The Wilderness Downtown, Moodstream by Getty Images, and Waterlife – NFB. These websites stood out for their exceptional use of animation, interactivity, and multimedia content.
How has the discontinuation of Adobe Flash affected web design?
The discontinuation of Adobe Flash has led to a shift in web design trends. Designers are now focusing on creating websites that are more accessible, responsive, and mobile-friendly. HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript have become the new standards for creating interactive and dynamic websites.
What are the alternatives to Flash for creating interactive websites?
HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript are the most popular alternatives to Flash for creating interactive websites. These technologies are more efficient, secure, and compatible with all modern web browsers and devices. They also support the creation of rich multimedia content, similar to Flash.
Why is Flash considered dead in the web design industry?
Flash is considered dead in the web design industry due to several reasons. The main reason is the discontinuation of Adobe Flash Player at the end of 2020. Other reasons include the lack of support for Flash on mobile devices, security issues, and the rise of more efficient web technologies like HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript.
How can I view Flash content after the discontinuation of Adobe Flash Player?
Viewing Flash content after the discontinuation of Adobe Flash Player can be challenging. However, some third-party Flash players and browsers still support Flash content. You can also use a Flashpoint webgame preservation project to access Flash content.
What is the impact of Flash’s discontinuation on older websites?
Older websites that rely heavily on Flash for their functionality and design may face issues after the discontinuation of Adobe Flash Player. These websites may not function properly or may not be accessible at all. It is recommended for these websites to migrate to newer web technologies like HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript.
Can I still create a Flash website today?
While it is technically possible to create a Flash website today, it is not recommended. Most modern web browsers do not support Flash, and it will not be viewable to a majority of internet users. Instead, it is advisable to use modern web technologies like HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript for creating websites.
What are some of the most iconic Flash websites ever created?
Some of the most iconic Flash websites ever created include 2Advanced Studios, Monoface, and We Choose the Moon. These websites are known for their innovative use of Flash to create a unique and engaging user experience.
How can I learn more about the history of Flash websites?
There are several online resources where you can learn more about the history of Flash websites. Websites like Web Design Museum and articles on platforms like SitePoint and Smashing Magazine provide a comprehensive overview of the evolution of Flash websites.
Jennifer FarleyJennifer Farley is a designer, illustrator and design instructor based in Ireland. She writes about design and illustration on her blog at Laughing Lion Design.
