Is there an easy way to build a Flash-like site without using Flash?

Hey Dave,

I too am a front-end designer. Same boat.

To create basic Flash elements I have used SwishMAX. It is inexpensive and works like PowerPoint. Only available for PC though.

I have even used Keynote. It exports to .swf.

What exactly are you wanting to produce? I can probably help you figure out how to do it using more friendly Javascript libraries like jQuery.

I’ve been directed to emulate http://domainedecanton.com

Ah, you’re really looking at some quite advanced interaction design.

I would ask the client if the effects are really necessary; I find the loading period and the navigation quite distracting from the overall experience and I don’t think it does anything to add to the mood.

This would certainly be easier to achieve in Flash than in Javascript, but both are possible.

I had a feeling Flash was the simplest way to go.

Off the top of your head, what are the downsides to building a site in Flash?

Here is one reason to avoid an entirely Flash based site. Accessibility is another reason to avoid it. You are screwing over any blind user that uses a screen reader. Google can index flash now, but it doesn’t do a good job of it.

edit: And they are just incredibly fucking annoying too.

I ended up building something somewhat similar to the drink menu and jQuery handled a lot of the basics surprisingly easy.

The only thing I see that might cause a problem is the initial animation, changing opacity while moving can cause some strange behavior, especially if you’re working with pngs. I believe all the other animation can be done without too much hassle in javascript, the hard part is always getting the interaction just right and the fringe cases so things don’t fall apart.

It sounds like you’ve got plenty of help, but if there’s something I could do or that animation code would help you get started let me know.

I agree with @funkdaddy you will be able to reproduce the nav, but if their main interest is in the opening animation then you’re probably better off doing it in flash.

you can try to push them off Flash by telling them about the pitfalls of SEO on Flash based sites. It can be done but it is a lot more difficult to rank well. That may or may not matter to them, but I agree with the danger jp pointed out of having a site that is invisible to people who haven’t updated their browser plugins.

It is far better to use Flash based elements withing a more reliable framework, then they could just a more simple form of image replacement to work around that issue.