Flash Article

Flash: Ten years, ten perspectives

Lisa Larson

Years of Flash experience: 7

How did you get started in Flash?

As a classically trained print designer in a small, successful studio in suburban Detroit, I was doing a good deal of work for auto companies. Back in 2000, their agencies were beginning to see the potential of Flash in their online marketing efforts. Luckily for me (and the studio!), I had already begun playing around with Flash in my spare time, learning through online tutorials, examples, books—anywhere I could find inspiration. I was really drawn to the possibilities that Flash was opening up for novice programmers to create interactive experiences.

By 2002 I had successfully expanded the studio's skill set to include websites and interactive projects. But at this point, I was really looking for a way to further my knowledge of programming and web design. After some research, I found an ideal program for me—the International Certificate Program in New Media affiliated with the Rhode Island School of Design. This was a full-time, intensive program that covered both design principles and computer science. Flash was one of the core modules of this program, but I was also exposed to other technologies including 3D modeling, JavaScript, SQL, and processing. This program helped push me over the edge from timeline ActionScripting to the realm of programmer. My relationship with Flash had just matured. 

I now keep up to date by reading blogs, Developer Center articles, FlashCoders mailing lists, and—most valuable to me—my weekly FlashCodersNY meetings. Nothing beats real-time discussions and debates with other developers, especially if they're more experienced than you!

How have you used Flash in the past and how do you use it today?

When I began using Flash, it was used mainly as an animation tool. If I had a dollar for every Flash intro I was asked to make... Well, let's forget about those!

Although I was actually able to discourage my clients from doing those intros early on, it was difficult for them to see Flash as useful for more than just pretty animations. The advent of Flash 6 and ActionScript 2.0, and then video capabilities, finally began to give Flash credibility as a real rich Internet application development tool. Suddenly, even though I was away from the commercial realm for just under a year, the playing field had changed, and changed for the better.

I discovered Flash Communication Server in 2003 and have been enthralled by Flash video ever since.

What does Flash mean to you personally?

Developing in Flash has given me confidence in my skills as a programmer, inspired me to deepen those skills, and encouraged me to keep up with technology. It has offered me the opportunity to work (and socialize) with some amazingly talented individuals in the developer community, a few of whom have become close friends.

What does Flash mean to you professionally?

Flash development has propelled my career forward from traditional print design into a plethora of new technologies. If it weren't for Flash, I might be designing some simple web pages to coordinate with printed marketing efforts but I likely would not have had the gumption to create an entire consumer video surveillance application incorporating Flash Media Server, PHP, XML, and e-commerce!

At gotoGroup we've built our entire business around Flash development. Its debatable whether we chose Flash or Flash chose us. The bottom line is that it ends up being the appropriate solution to a wide range of design problems. Sometimes our clients specifically request Flash (especially for video) but most often they come to us with just a goal in mind. More often than not, that goal is achieved with some usage of Flash.

What has Flash taught you about software development and the web?

Developing for the web can be accessible to individuals at virtually any skill level. Flash allows the power of technology to be put into the hands of creative people. That is one of its greatest accomplishments. It has proven that you do not have to be a computer science whiz to create compelling experiences—although it helps!

Which feature(s) of Flash amazed you the most, and why?

Video. The integration of high-quality video into Flash Player has greatly expanded the use of Flash commercially. This feature alone has made Flash more ubiquitous and more accepted as a viable development platform.

How has Flash enhanced your creativity?

Flash allows me to take a concept further than any other platform would feasibly allow. It gives me a diverse toolbox from which to craft appropriate design solutions. Video, audio, animation, database access, web services, live communication, and virtually anything is possible with only Flash Player on the client side. What other technology gives that kind of power to creativity?

What's your favorite Flash tip or lesson?

Whenever possible, give yourself time to start over.

What cautionary tale can you relate to other developers?

The biggest pitfall I've found myself falling into is underestimating the work/time involved in interactive projects. If a project seems simple, don't expect it to be. If a client seems to know exactly what they want, they usually don't.

"Yes, sure that's possible." "Of course Flash can do that."

It's tempting to think that something that seems simple is truly simple to produce; this can be a costly mistake! Because Flash offers you so many options and possibilities, many more things can go awry. You have a great deal of control over the internal workings of your application, and will have even more responsibility in ActionScript 3.0. Memory management, intelligent preloading, handling dropped connections, and so on—these are all details that you may not consider early on when determining the complexities of a project.

Be overly detailed when quoting Flash work—or any other programming job, for that matter. Project "scope creep" is a dangerous thing. Detail each and every function your application will have (or won't have). Address all possible add-ons or feature enhancements; consider providing a "Chinese menu"–style quote so your client can pick and choose features.

Clear communication upfront is critical. Clients will appreciate your thorough attention to detail, and you'll likely be saving yourself big headaches later on. This step will not only help your client (or boss) understand what their final product will be, but may help you unveil hidden complexities that you may not have initially considered.

Every new project is a learning experience. Detailed quotes and project plans give you a clear curriculum to follow—and keep your lessons from being costly!

Where will Flash be 10 years?

As I see it (dusting off my crystal ball here), in 10 years the Flash platform will appear seamless with the computer's operating system. As Apollo matures, we'll be developing stand-alone applications that integrate with Adobe's other applications and the Internet, fusing technologies ranging from PDF to Breeze.

Flash will be built into every mobile phone, so you'll be able to do everything from remotely controlling the temperature of your refrigerator to playing multiplayer games with your friends, to having a nice video chat with your mom.

With the speed at which the technology is progressing now, this could all feasibly become a reality in less than five years.

Let's get busy.

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