People hate Flash. I knew this five years ago.

An admirer of finely crafted anything. Will write and design at the right price.

Published Thursday, July 13, 2006 by ZFR | E-mail this post

I have always suspected that Flash-only websites are difficult for casual users to navigate. Users have to download & install the correct version of plugins that, invariably is making their web experience a less than easy one (the math is simple: if it's not porn or a good chance to win a million bucks, people wouldn't be flocking to your site). After that, if they manage to install the correct version of said plugin, they have to wait for the Flash content to download. Try doing this on dial-up, see where it takes you. (For a faster net experience than dial-up, try Streamyx. But ask them how they define a 'fast' experience. Hint: We're still using copper cables.)

I'm not saying the consumer or end user is dumb. Far from it. I'm saying designers have to make sure that the browsing experience of a site they're diligently creating & maintaining, is an easy one.

Still don't believe that people hate Flash? Read a consumer survey results right here. The consumer is always right. And if David Ogilvy gets it right, she's your wife too.