Sometimes, our web designers come across an old website built with Flash. It’s almost like listening to an old song. It simultaneously transports us back to simpler times and makes us wonder, “What were people thinking?” In December 2020, Google Chrome will end support for Flash Player.
Flash-based websites, which are the ones that have complex layouts, sound effects, and opening animations, disappeared many years ago, regardless of whether you work in web design. Although they didn’t go extinct completely, they did go out of fashion quickly.
So, the question is: What killed Flash web design? Let’s find out the answers.
FLASH WAS NOT SEO FRIENDLY
The biggest problem with Flash websites was the fact that they were not only visually appealing (or so we thought) but also had to be coded in such a way as to display text instead of visuals. This might seem good, considering that most people prefer images to write. However, a solely image-based layout made it difficult for search visibility.
Google’s search engines can easily understand the text. Images can be more challenging to understand and decipher. Flash was used to create your website, which meant that you were unlikely to receive much search traffic. This is something most businesses can only do with.
FLASH INTRO TO TIRED CUSTOMERS
Human nature has the unfortunate side effect that any innovative, creative or popular idea will be overused until people dislike it. Flash website intros proved to be a perfect example.
It was initially interesting to watch an animation load up. It was almost as if designers were competing to impress buyers with their new combinations of motion and images. We finally reached a point when there were so many Flash animations online that people wanted to skip over them and get to the actual content.
Flash’s popularity led to Flash’s demise.
FLASH MUST BE PATCHED CONSTANTLY
Flash’s disadvantages as a design tool are often overlooked. Flash’s underlying software must be updated and patched regularly to ensure it remains stable and secure.
Website visitors who didn’t have the most recent version of the software or the visitor didn’t bother to update it. The site could not load or be infected by viruses or malware. This was bad news for customers and a big turnoff for businesses.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT WEB TECHNOLOGY
Flash’s story is a typical example of many web technologies. Although Flash was entertaining initially, it quickly became apparent that there were few actual uses after the initial excitement wore off. More was needed to avoid Flash on your website. You also need to weigh each tool’s pros and cons before deciding if it is necessary to grow your business.
