Usability of Flash Applications

Was looking for my notes on a Flash project and rediscovered a 2002 report from nngroup.

I really think the guidelines for designing with Flash are for any project.

Things that popped out at me (and made me nod my head):

• Do good design
• Familiar is good
• Dancing bears is bad (”Don’t show gratuitous motion.”)
• Don’t be annoying with sound/motion
• If your purpose is information, don’t be silly (was re: should I use 5pt font size)
• Be. Meaningful. (Though I think that’s up there with good design is good.)
• Pass the remote (was re: letting users have control)
• KISS and I don’t mean the band (Keep It Simple Stupid)

Also with the report came some excellent examples and a report on usability for those with disabilities. October 2002 was a long time ago, but the information still looks good. I wish I could buy all of their reports. But I (and you) can read his Alertbox for free!